As the world celebrates International Women in Engineering Day (Sunday 23rd June) we speak to some of our leading female engineers about what attracted them to the industry and advice they would offer future female engineers.

It's no secret that fewer women choose engineering as their profession, with the Engineering UK Report 2018 stating that just 20 per cent of those working in the sector are female, yet TMETC's Sunila Mulye, Ranjitha Ramalingam, and Lorenza Gianotto believe the automotive industry offers an attractive proposition, with many opportunities for ambitious women.

Electrical and Electronics Architecture Developer, Sunila, who joined Tata Motors in 2007 and after completing her Masters in Automotive Electronics Engineering became part of the TMETC team in 2017, said: "As someone rightly said change is the only constant thing in the world and, as the industry and business focuses on ACES (autonomous, connected, electric and shared) technology, this provides an exciting platform to help revolutionise the future of transportation and mobility."

All three ladies were inspired by family members who were engineers and all of them felt fortunate to have been fully supported by their parents throughout their studies.

Software Engineer, Lorenza, said: "My father is an engineer and I was always curious about what he did. The more I found out the more intrigued I was. I know engineering wasn't a typical profession for females, but this never bothered me as my family always fully supported my discussion".

"It was considered difficult to secure a place in my local engineering University, so this created a personal challenge for myself. I guess I am determined."

DVA (Dimensional Variation Analysis) Engineer, Ranjitha, said: "You are working for a long time, so I believe it's important to be passionate about what you do.

"You have to work hard and prove your worth, but this is important in any industry regardless of your gender. Knowledge, willingness to learn and the ability to work in a team I consider are import attributes for this ever-changing industry.

"I have been in engineering for 14 years and joined TMETC in 2013. My role continually develops with technological advancements. The future of transport is an exciting challenge which is perfectly suited to a curious lateral thinking mind with innovative ideas who relishes problem-solving."

Lorenza, who specialises in autonomous and advanced driving assistance systems, said: "I have a shy personality so when I started my career, I was a little self-conscious. I have come to realise that I am equal to any male counterparts.

"I would tell other female engineers like me not to be scared and believe in yourself because engineering will always need a woman's skills set."

Encouraging the younger generation is important to Sunila. "Three years ago, I attended a conference by STEM for girls in engineering and discovered how the profession was also male dominated in the UK as in India. Since then I have volunteered at as STEM ambassador, providing mentoring sessions. I truly think women are slowly making an impact on the industry.

"Continually professional development is always important and as long as I'm able to, I think it's my responsibility to continue to help support younger female engineers into what I consider to be a fulfilling profession."