Together we can engineer respect, equity and safety

This week marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that shines a light on an issue that affects so many people. Engineers Australia is proud to stand alongside the Champions of Change Coalition to support this important cause. We are committed to building a profession and a society where respect, equity, and safety are part of everyday life.?

Engineering is about creating systems and structures that improve lives. But that responsibility isn’t just about the physical world, it also includes the culture within our workplaces and communities. Gender-based violence isn’t just a societal issue, it’s one that impacts all of us, including in our profession. Importantly, we have the opportunity to disrupt harmful norms, build safer environments and support those affected by violence.?

Engineering remains one of the most male-dominated professions, with women making up only 14 percent of the workforce. This imbalance reflects wider issues of gender inequity - bias, harassment, and discrimination - that discourage women from joining or progressing in the profession. These challenges are compounded by the far-reaching effects of gender-based violence, which disproportionately impacts women.?

We have a responsibility to not only build inclusive and respectful workplaces but also contribute to a society where everyone can feel safe and valued. Through our work with Champions of Change, Engineers Australia is committed to addressing these systemic issues and helping more women move into leadership roles. This is about creating a culture where safety and respect are the norm, not the exception.?

Workplaces can play a powerful role in preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Statistics show that 62% of Australian women experiencing domestic violence are in paid work, and the effects - such as absenteeism, difficulty concentrating, and underperformance - can be far-reaching. Workplaces can make a real difference by:?

• Supporting employees who are affected, with trauma-informed policies and practical help.?

• Holding employees accountable if they are using violence and providing opportunities for rehabilitation.?

• Designing products and services responsibly to prevent misuse in cases of violence.?

• Using leadership to influence suppliers, clients, and communities to uphold respect and safety.?

The Champions of Change resources, like the Framework for Workplace Action on Domestic and Family Violence and Disrupting the System: Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, offer practical tools to help organisations make a meaningful impact.?

Gender-based violence is founded in inequality and the abuse of power. Tackling it requires collective action and a willingness to step up as leaders, colleagues and members of our communities.??

The reality of this issue is stark. In 2022-23, one woman was killed every 11 days by an intimate partner. These numbers aren’t just statistics, they represent real people - our colleagues, friends, and family members.?

The 16 Days of Activism is about more than just awareness. It’s about taking action. I encourage all our members to join the conversation about gender equality, offer support to those impacted, and commit to building respect in every part of their work and lives. If you or someone you know needs help, resources like 1800RESPECT are there to provide support.?

Together, we can create a profession - and a society - where respect and equity are non-negotiable. Let’s lead the way in demonstrating how engineering can shape not just the physical world, but also the culture we live in.?