Gender and Engineering: why embracing diversity is important

From the buildings we work in to the roads we travel, engineers design and create the infrastructure that supports our daily lives. In Uzbekistan, where development projects are underway, having a diverse pool of engineers is crucial. This means not only focusing on technical skills but also embracing gender diversity. 

Globally, engineering remains a male-dominated field, and Uzbekistan is no different. Traditional gender roles, societal expectations, and workplace biases often discourage women from pursuing engineering careers. This gender gap means that the engineering sector misses out on the diverse perspectives and ideas that women can bring.

“Graduating in architecture and civil engineering, I've noticed the significant gender disparity in the industry. However, it is in this area that women are needed the most, as we bring unique perspectives for an inclusive design and infrastructure”, says Makhliyo Rakhimova, Associate Architect. 

UNOPS acknowledges the necessity of gender inclusivity in engineering, and the initiatives led by UNOPS in Uzbekistan are a good example. Supporting the government in efforts* to improve the healthcare system in the country, UNOPS recognizes the importance of integrating more women into engineering to ensure that projects are more inclusive and accessible. Their approach helps to address and eliminate biases, making healthcare facilities more user-friendly for women, children, and the elderly.

“With over 15 years of experience in health technology topics, the project on procuring oncology equipment is incredibly close to my heart. Seeing firsthand the struggles of cancer patients I am even more dedicated to using my skills to bring new hope to patients and build trust in the improved healthcare system”, notes Jelena Perovic, Lead Biomedical Engineer. 

A personalized solution is the approach UNOPS biomedical engineers focus on during the definition and selection of adequate technology to provide patients suffering from oncology related diseases with high quality healthcare services. By understanding the full context of how, to whom, and by whom health services are delivered, the team ensures healthcare workers receive the right tools to provide timely and effective care in modern, patient-centered facilities. 

“When we build infrastructure, it has to work for everyone, which means thinking about what both men and women need, and female engineers are key to this”, says Nesrin Altunkaya, Lead Architect. 

Healthcare infrastructure impacts entire communities, thus infrastructure and design is another area where UNOPS recognizes female engineers. 

“These projects are about more than just building; they’re about creating a foundation for long-term development along with inclusivity. I believe that gender diversity brings impact that leaves no one behind”, - adds Munisa Sadiyeva, Associate Architect.

Few people know that along with site infrastructure assessments, there is a special attention to a study of the beneficiaries and main users of the facilities. UNOPS experts ensure that assessment considers gender-specific infrastructure needs, including satisfaction of and access levels to healthcare facility infrastructure for men and women, as well as intersecting factors such as age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and disability status. All these factors influence the utilization of infrastructure services by men and women differently. 

“Women feel women. While designing, I always prioritize safety and accessibility of facilities, privacy and dignity of workers and inclusivity of patients - the aspects that directly affect the well-being of female beneficiaries of our projects”, explains Dinara Botirova, architect, member of UNOPS Design Management team. 

The role of female engineers extends beyond their technical expertise. Firstly, they ensure that gender-responsiveness is integral to all their projects, secondly, they serve as inspiring role models for future generations. 

“Knowing that my work inspires my niece to pursue a STEM education fills me with joy. I am proud of the importance of my own journey and the impact I can have on the next generation of female engineers”, says Adelya Ishmuxamedova, Civil Engineer. 

Presence and success of women in a traditionally male-dominated field demonstrate to young girls that they too can pursue and excel in STEM careers. It breaks down stereotypes, challenges and changes societal norms, and promotes gender equality in professional environments. 

“Empowering women with the right tools and opportunities doesn't just empower individuals; it empowers entire projects. Their insights, shaped by their lived experiences, double our capacity to deliver more inclusive outcomes”, - Dax Julius Dayanan, Head of Infrastructure Service Delivery. 

Integrating gender diversity into engineering is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a strategic necessity. Women bring unique perspectives and ideas that consider and address specific needs of women, as they inherently understand the experiences and challenges faced by other women. In the context of UNOPS projects, their contributions are vital for creating inclusive healthcare facilities and resilient systems that cater to all community members. 

*

In Uzbekistan, UNOPS is supporting the Ministry of Health in procuring and delivering highly specialized medical, diagnostic, radiological and ICT equipment, to significantly contribute to improved access and quality oncological healthcare services for local communities in 14 regional locations across Uzbekistan.

Since 2022, UNOPS is working closely with the Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee (SES) to strengthen Uzbekistan’s preparedness systems for future epidemics and is implementing the project to upgrade 54 existing laboratory and treatment facilities across the country through infrastructure works, procurement of diagnostic equipment and supplies, and ICT-based national surveillance and monitoring system.