How did CICES celebrate INWED?

#TogetherWeEngineer: Inspiring change and building a more inclusive profession

Supported by CICES' presidential themes of 'Adding value through collaboration' and 'Make space for education', we brought together schools, industry leaders and professional partners in a shared mission: to uplift the next generation and champion women in civil engineering surveying. Through a variety of events and activities, all outlined below, we want to be part of breaking down barriers, opening doors, and building a future where everyone thrives. 

And we’re just getting started. Keep reading to see the highlights of our activities related to INWED. Then see how you can join CICES in shaping a more inclusive tomorrow - because together, we really do engineer change!

School outreach: inspiring the next generation

At the core of our INWED campaign was something truly special. A school outreach initiative at Newall Green Primary School that sparked curiosity and possibility. We had the privilege of connecting with more than 90 students, many of whom were discovering the world of engineering for the first time. Through 3 hands-on, interactive sessions, Mirela Hyka (Land and Hydrographic Surveyor at LandScope Engineering), alongside an occasional input from me!, brought civil engineering surveying to life in ways that were inspiring and accessible. Mirela’s story, along with her genuine passion for the profession, left a lasting mark on everyone in the room. As she shared her journey, it was clear: the seeds of inspiration had been planted.

Here’s what Mirela had to say:

"As part of a wonderful collaboration between CICES and Newall Green Primary School, I had the privilege of delivering 3 one-hour sessions to pupils aged 8 to 11, in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day. I shared both my personal and professional journey, a path that began in Albania in 2014, driven by a curiosity to better understand the world around me. My initial inspiration came from my uncle, a geologist, and was later reinforced by a university professor who introduced me to topography. 

"At the time, I was studying Natural Resources Engineering, but that subject completely shifted my perspective. I fell in love with surveying and made the decision to switch my degree to Geoengineering. Later, I pursued a Master’s in Land and Hydrographic Surveying in the UK. Today, I’m proud to be a Project Manager at LandScope Engineering.

"I spoke to students about the diverse projects I’ve worked on and what a land surveyor actually does, trying my best to use examples they could easily relate to. I explained the qualities that make a great surveyor, and why civil engineering is such a vital part of our everyday lives. And of course why they, the next generation, are so important.

"A key message I wanted to leave with them, especially the girls, was that engineering is for everyone. I want young girls to know they are needed in this field, and that their unique perspectives, talents, and determination can help shape the future of our built environment.

"The highlight was undoubtedly the live demonstration of the SX12 Total Station and Scanner. Scanning their classrooms in real time sparked such excitement – the energy and curiosity in the room were a powerful reminder of why outreach matters so deeply.

"Presenting in English, which is not my first language, was a personal challenge. I hope my passion and enthusiasm for the profession came through. As someone who entered a male-dominated field and faced my share of obstacles, I’m committed to helping remove barriers for the next generation, especially young girls, interested in STEM.

"A heartfelt thank you to CICES and LandScope Engineering for encouraging me to take part. And to the wonderful staff and pupils of Newall Green Primary School for welcoming me so warmly. This experience left me feeling inspired, proud and full of hope for the next generation of engineers."

The impact was immediate and tangible. Students were captivated, asking questions and sharing their excitement about the possibilities of a career in engineering. Many left the sessions exclaiming, “I want to be an engineer when I grow up!”, a real testament to the power of role models and hands-on learning, which is championed so well by CICES's President, Alison Watson MBE, and many of our members.

Adam Pattenden, Deputy Headteacher at Newall Green, reflected on the partnership: "Collaborating with CICES has been an excellent opportunity that aligns with our goal of offering diverse experiences to encourage and inspire our pupils towards achieving their full potential in future careers. This partnership broadens their understanding of real-world professions and helps them develop the ambition and confidence needed to succeed beyond the classroom. Since the session, many of our children have already stated they would like to become engineers one day!"

This feedback underlines the value of bringing industry professionals into schools and showing young people, especially girls, that engineering is a welcoming and rewarding career choice. And importantly, that change is being made to support them with their entry to the profession.

Mark White, LandScope Engineering and CICES Council of Management member, also shared his thoughts: "Geospatial surveying is a critical discipline within civil engineering, providing a variety of datasets throughout project life cycles. So why is it that many school age children have not come across the term geospatial or been given exposure to the exciting and diverse career opportunities it affords? It’s a well-known statistic that the survey industry is experiencing a skills shortage and requires a proactive response to encourage and develop young talent to fill the void. LandScope are proud to support the wider geospatial industry with a number of key initiatives, such as women in engineering day and STEM based career pathways."

Tying it together: our presidential themes in action

The success of this event is a prime example of how CICES presidential themes, 'Adding value through collaboration' and 'Make space for education', really come to life. By working together across schools, industry and professional bodies, we’ll continue to create opportunities that inspire and educate.

Alison Watson, CICES President, has been leading the way with Make space for education. She highlights: "This year, encouraging more young women to join our profession is not a nice to have, a tick in the box, a ‘feel good’ factor – it’s an imperative and it starts in schools. We all know that time passes all too quickly – that day that you spend in a school as a volunteer cannot and must not be the only space you make to step up. As influencers and evangelists, our professional voices should be heard – and seen."

These words resonate throughout CICES and wider industry efforts, serving as a solid reminder to all that education and collaboration are the foundations of a stronger, more inclusive profession. And that professionals working within engineering should strive to continually build efforts around both, using them interchangeably to drive progress.

Expert Q&A: insights from women driving change

Insights from female leaders on the future of the sector and the importance of mentorship and support

Adding to the momentum, CICES collaborated on a joint Q&A blog with leading women from different career backgrounds in civil engineering surveying. Their insights offer a roadmap for the future of our sector. Some of my personal favourite quotes include: 

Professor Nicole Metje, Professor of Infrastructure Monitoring at the University of Birmingham, highlighted the importance of collaboration: "Through collaboration we can achieve more than the individual parts and engineer more successfully. This requires everyone to get involved, no matter their gender."

Cecelia Fadipe, Chair of the Multi-Disciplinary Steering Group and Director of CFBL Consulting, championed inclusivity: "'Together we engineer' means adopting a culture of collaboration and inclusivity to drive innovation in construction. Technical excellence and commercial success can only be achieved when diverse perspectives combine to address today’s complex engineering challenges."

Nina Young, with her focus on community building and digital marketing, advocated for building networks and mentoring: "We also need to recognise and support grassroots, peer-led communities as much as formal mentoring schemes. Both have real power to connect and uplift."

Their advice on representation, mentorship and the need for visible role models echoed and reaffirmed the CICES approach to ED&I. It also highlighted what the industry needs in a collaborative manner. If you want to read more about this, take a look.

Webinar: Equal pay, inclusion and the power of community

Practical advice and community-building for women, in partnership with the CICES Women’s Network, featuring CEO of RIBA and other key speakers

Our INWED campaign also included a webinar on equal pay and inclusion, organised in partnership with the CICES Women’s Network. The session brought together experts from across the industry to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in engineering and across related sectors. It was a resounding success. It reinforced the importance of allyship, inclusive recruitment and the need for ongoing support for women at all stages of their careers. Watch the conversation.  

Member mosaic: celebrating diversity and achievement

Showcasing the diversity and achievements of women in civil engineering surveying

Another amazing highlight of our campaign was the member mosaic, featured on the CICES website. This visual and written celebration showcases the faces and stories of women across the civil engineering surveying sector, highlighting the diversity of roles, backgrounds and experiences within our membership. The mosaic serves as a reminder that engineering is for everyone and there are many paths to success in our profession. Take a look!  

Signposting to the CICES Women’s Network

A vital resource for those in the profession, providing support, mentorship, surveys, key events and a sense of community

The CICES Women’s Network, chaired by Genna Rourke, is a vital resource for those in the profession. It provides a platform for sharing experiences, seeking advice, building supportive relationships and driving change. As part of this year’s campaign, I’ve been proud to liaise with the Network to organise the key webinar event and amplify the voices of women in our sector. If you want to get involved, contact Genna Rourke. Everyone is welcome and equally appreciated in these sessions.

Looking ahead: a call to action

As we look to the future, I encourage everyone in the industry to get involved in initiatives like these. Whether it’s volunteering at a school, sharing your story, or supporting the CICES Women’s Network, every action makes a difference.

Finally, a special thank you

This year’s INWED campaign wouldn’t have come to fruition without the dedication and support of our industry partners and volunteers. We are especially grateful to Zara Rudkin from Business Working Within Wythenshawe (BW3), whose invaluable work connected CICES with Newall Green Primary School. We also extend our thanks to Jim Roberts, Chair of the CICES North West & North Wales Committee, for recommending Mirela and to Alison Watson MBE, who continues to lead the way by setting an admirable example for all in the industry. I’d like to take a moment to thank Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick, CEO of RIBA, Steph Watson, Head of People of Lanes Group and Steven McCarthy, Recruitment Director of Russell Taylor Group for their time and excellent inputs into such vital discussions too.

Our appreciation goes out to all the volunteers, professionals and educators who contributed their time, expertise and enthusiasm to inspire the next generation of civil engineering surveyors. So, let’s continue to celebrate the achievements of women in engineering, inspire the next generation and build a profession that is inclusive, innovative and equipped for the future. Because together, we engineer a better and brighter future.

For ED&I-related CICES campaigns, contact me directly!

#TogetherWeEngineer