Even though 11.2% of aerospace engineers are women, they have still made significant impact in the aerospace engineering field! Women have played a crucial role in the field of aerospace engineering throughout history, and their contributions continue to shape the industry today. Although there have been challenges and barriers to overcome, women have made significant strides in aerospace engineering and have left an ever lasting impact on the field. Women have been involved in aerospace engineering since the early days of aviation. Notable pioneers like Katherine Wright, Amelia Earhart, and Bessie Coleman paved the way for women’s involvement in aviation and aerospace engineering. These powerful characters demonstrated that women could contribute to and excel in the aerospace industry, despite harmful stereotypes. The contributions of African-American women mathematicians, such as Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson at NASA during the 1960s, were crucial to the success of the early space program, which was highlighted in the book and movie “Hidden Figures.” Furthermore, Kalpana Chawla, who was part of the Columbia space mission in NASA, was the first woman of Indian origin to be an astronaut and explore the wonders of outer space.
Despite the progress made, there are still challenges related to gender representation in aerospace engineering. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in this field, providing supportive work environments, and promoting equal opportunities for professional growth are essential steps toward achieving greater gender diversity in the aerospace industry. As women continue to break barriers and make their mark, their role in aerospace engineering will undoubtedly shape the industry’s future and contribute to new advancements in aviation and space exploration. Fortunately, the 11.2% is just a percentage that can be increased as more Women decide to pursue the innovative field of aerospace engineering!