Engineering Day: Female interest in the area grows in Amazonas

Growth

According to data from the Lutheran University of Brazil – Ulbra, in Manaus, in the last 5 years more than 300 women have graduated from engineering courses

Manaus (AM) — The protagonism of women is a frequent topic in society, spaces previously dominated by men are giving way to an emerging change. The engineering scenario has witnessed a significant increase in female prominence, which is why it has become increasingly common for women to enroll in undergraduate courses that were previously called “men’s courses”.

According to data from the Lutheran University of Brazil – Ulbra, in Manaus, in the last 5 years more than 300 women have graduated from the institution’s engineering courses. This growing female participation demonstrates not only a diversification in the field, but also a recognition of the potential and talent of women in this sector.

At Ulbra, around 56% of engineering course teachers are women, a group of talented professionals leading several departments, where the female presence stands out in the advancement of engineering.

“Here at the university, 47% of our Engineering graduates are women. In addition, we also have a percentage of 56% of female teachers in our Engineering courses. These numbers not only demonstrate our commitment to gender equality, but also reflect our continued effort to value and promote women’s talent in a historically male-dominated field. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where all voices are heard and all opportunities are accessible, regardless of gender,”

highlighted the academic director of Ulbra Manaus, engineer, Dr.ᵃ Maryana Batalha.

Feminine scenario

Despite advances, it is undeniable that the number of women in engineering is still small when compared to men. Data from the Federal Engineering and Agronomy Council (CONFEA) show that women represent only 20% of the total number of engineers registered in the 27 Regional Engineering and Agronomy Councils (Creas). Of the total of 1 million and 100 thousand professionals, only 200 thousand are engineers. In 2019, only 12% of women made up the plenary of the 27 Creas, and in 2020 this number rose to 14%. The gradual increase in this female group demonstrates a positive and encouraging change in women’s perception and participation in this highly technical field.

However, the recent election of a woman to the presidency of the Amazonas Regional Engineering and Agronomy Council (Crea-AM) reflects a significant change in the engineering scenario in the State, where women are taking on leadership and influential roles. During the workshop: “Women in Engineering”, promoted by Ulbra Manaus in reference to Women’s Day, the president of Crea-AM, Alzira Miranda, encouraged the public by talking about her challenges, being the first woman president of the board.

“In the first week of management I was nervous, in the second week I cried every day. But in the following weeks I faced all of this, and every day is a struggle. It’s challenging. And I try to hold on to that so that in the end I can be recognized as a competent professional who gave her all”,

he stated.

Among the areas most sought after by women are: chemical, environmental and sanitary, civil, electrical, software and mechanical engineering. For Luiza Zucarelli, a chemical engineering student at Ulbra, the market is already pointing to important changes.

“In my class, more than 50% of university students are women, in the company where I do an internship, the sector is almost 100% female. This brings me a certain relief when I remember that I was advised to choose another area because people thought I wouldn’t have a chance. Now the world is different, thank goodness”,

declared.

The reformulation of the market based on female occupations must begin at universities with the inclusion of engineering courses. “Women are everywhere, and it’s good that this right is valid after many struggles. We have the five largest Engineering courses in private education in Manaus, some were the first in Brazil, and in all of them, our university students take on the role of protagonists”, stated the dean of Ulbra Manaus, Evandro Brandão.

The growing participation of women in Engineering represents not only an evolution in the search for gender equality, but also a recognition of female potential and competence in this field. The increase in the number of women graduating and occupying prominent positions demonstrates a positive and encouraging change. This diversification strengthens the profession, bringing unique perspectives and skills to drive innovation and progress in the field of engineering.

*With information from consultancy

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