Question: DO you think that there are a lot more male engineers than female one and if so, how would you try to get more females involved

Jessica Marshall answered on 13 Mar 2014:

There are more male engineers than men – it is true. I am often in meetings or project teams where I’m the only female. But, I haven’t experienced any problems by being the only female; indeed sometimes it can be a good thing as I am more recognised and get to be well known by people I work with. It is important however to ensure that the best people for the job are able to do it, and as I think women are just as able as men then I think we should encourage more girls to be interested. I think that the media and people’s perceptions have a lot to play in this – for example on the radio today I heard a presenter say ‘boys at that age love messing around with science’. Why only boys? So, by working with lots of people, I hope that we can change that perception. Last weekend I did a talk at the science museum. Tonight I was at a Girl Guide group. That is how I’m trying to change that perception.