Swand Qat , Electrical & Electronic Systems Engineer with Ford's Product Development Team, based in Dubai.

“When I first started out as an engineer, 20 years ago, the main challenge was demonstrating my technical skills in a field where women were underrepresented - I had to really prove myself, and of course overcome the biases and stereotypes typically associated with being a woman in a male-dominated profession. Over time, these challenges turned out to be beneficial, teaching me the importance of resilience and the importance of being confident about my capabilities.

Since those early days, it's been encouraging to witness the industry evolve towards greater inclusivity and equality. Overall, male colleagues have been supportive, recognizing the unique value the female perspective brings to an engineering team. In fact, over the years, men became my allies. Yet, the engineering field still faces a significant shortfall of female professionals, which underscores the urgent need to communicate to young women that engineering offers a fulfilling career path filled with opportunities.

At Ford, our commitment to women's advancement is evident in the increasing number of women in leadership roles across different markets. This progress is not just inspiring; it reflects our dedication to diversity and inclusion, affirming Ford as a place where the skills and contributions of women are acknowledged and esteemed.

This International Women's Day, I'll be celebrating the accomplishments of women worldwide, with a special focus on those breaking new ground in engineering. My experience as a woman in this field has been both challenging and fulfilling, mirroring the broader narrative of women in STEM professions.

International Women's Day acts as a poignant reminder of the progress women have achieved towards gender equality, commemorating the legacy of pioneers who fought for the rights we cherish today. However, it also reminds about the ongoing effort that’s needed to reach full equality. A personal mission of mine is to motivate and empower the forthcoming generation of female engineers, highlighting the journey we've undertaken and the path that lies ahead.”