Engineering is driven by many forms of intelligence. Technical expertise, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership all play a role in shaping the built environment and advancing the profession.
As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day 2026, themed Engineering Intelligence, we also recognise the importance of diverse perspectives in an industry where women remain underrepresented.
Globally, women account for just 16–17% of the engineering workforce and only one in ten STEM leadership positions. Yet across RSP, women continue to contribute their expertise, challenge conventions, and inspire future generations.
In this feature, we speak with women from across the business about what inspired them to pursue engineering, how they define engineering intelligence, and why encouraging more women into the profession is so important.
Aleksandra Popivoda, Director – Head of Engineering Middle East
Aleksandra Popivoda’s journey into engineering was driven by a passion for shaping the built environment and creating spaces that improve people’s lives. Drawn to the challenge of transforming ideas into reality, she found purpose in a profession where technical expertise and creativity come together to leave a lasting impact.
Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has also shaped her perspective. Throughout her career, she focused on proving herself first as an engineer, building a reputation through the quality of her work. In doing so, she hopes her achievements serve as an example of what women can accomplish within the profession.
Reflecting on this year’s International Women in Engineering Day theme, Engineering Intelligence, Aleksandra believes it is about much more than technical capability alone.
“Engineering Intelligence is about combining technical expertise, creativity and teamwork to solve problems and deliver better, more sustainable outcomes,” she says. “It is also about continuously learning, building strong relationships and earning people’s trust, because that is what really makes a difference.”
For women beginning their careers, she encourages them to approach the industry with confidence and ambition.
“Be bold, take up space, and don’t let outdated norms define your path,” she says. “The future of construction is diverse, and you are part of shaping that change. The industry needs your talent, perspective and leadership.”
She also believes greater representation will strengthen the profession and help deliver better outcomes for everyone.
“Engineering offers the opportunity to shape the future and make a meaningful impact,” she says. “Diverse teams deliver stronger solutions, and greater visibility of women leaders will help drive long-term success.”
For Aleksandra, the intelligence that drives engineering forward is found not only in technical excellence, but in collaboration, trust and the ability to bring people together to create better solutions for the future.
Eileen Yap, Senior Associate
Eileen Yap was drawn to engineering through a passion for problem-solving and a curiosity about how things work. She was inspired by a profession that brings together analytical thinking, creativity and collaboration to create solutions that have a tangible impact on the world around us.
For Eileen, engineering is about more than technical expertise alone. It is a discipline that combines knowledge, innovation and teamwork to deliver practical solutions that improve how people live and work.
Reflecting on this year’s International Women in Engineering Day theme, Engineering Intelligence, Eileen believes it is the ability to apply scientific knowledge, technical expertise and problem-solving skills to design, build, improve and operate systems effectively.
“Engineering Intelligence is about applying scientific knowledge, technical expertise and problem-solving skills to create effective solutions,” she says. It is about using those skills to design, build and improve systems that make a real difference.
For women starting their careers in engineering, she encourages them to invest in both their technical and professional development.
She also believes increasing female representation is vital to the future of the profession.
“Society benefits when talented people from all backgrounds contribute to solving complex problems,” she says. “Increasing female representation brings diverse perspectives, drives innovation and helps build technologies that better serve everyone.”
Xu Yi, Executive Engineer
When Xu Yi first chose to study civil engineering, she admits she had little understanding of what the profession truly involved. It was only after entering the industry and seeing the impact engineering has on everyday life that she discovered the purpose behind her work.
Today, as an Executive Engineer, she finds meaning in contributing to projects that people rely on daily. For Xu Yi, engineering is about solving real problems and creating something tangible and valuable — work that leaves a lasting impact on communities and the built environment.
Reflecting on this year’s International Women in Engineering Day theme, Engineering Intelligence, she believes it is about far more than technical expertise alone.
“Engineering Intelligence is about combining technical knowledge, creativity and continuous learning,” she says. “The way we work is changing, and tools like AI and automation are helping us improve efficiency and solve problems in new ways. However, engineering still relies on human judgement, collaboration, and understanding of real project challenges.”
For women beginning their careers in the industry, Xu Yi believes confidence and curiosity are just as important as technical skills.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she says. “Knowing what you don’t know is a strength. Engineering is a journey of continuous learning, and every challenge is an opportunity to gain experience and improve.”
She also hopes to see more women entering the profession, recognising that engineering thrives on diverse perspectives and experiences.
“Engineering is a field where everyone can contribute through their skills, ideas and experiences,” she says. “It requires technical knowledge, communication, collaboration and problem-solving. Women bring their own perspectives and strengths, and those different viewpoints make valuable contributions to the projects we deliver.”
Stuti Mondal, Senior Structural Engineer
Stuti’s passion for engineering began with a love of science and its practical application. Fascinated by the mechanics behind how things work, she was naturally drawn to a field where mathematics and scientific principles could be used to solve real-world challenges. This led her to pursue Civil Engineering, before later specialising in Structural Engineering, a discipline rooted in analysis, mechanics and precision. Today, she finds satisfaction in applying those principles to create structures and environments that have a tangible impact on everyday life.
Reflecting on this year’s International Women in Engineering Day theme, Engineering Intelligence, she believes it lies in the ability to combine technical knowledge with sound judgement.
“Engineering Intelligence is the ability to make sound decisions using core engineering principles and judgement,” she says. “It’s about understanding what truly matters, what can be simplified, and what cannot be compromised.”
For women starting their careers in engineering, Stuti believes that curiosity and a strong understanding of the fundamentals are key.
“Build a strong conceptual foundation and stay genuinely curious,” she says. “Don’t hesitate to question or seek clarity. Confidence in engineering comes from understanding, not just experience.”
She also hopes to see more women entering the profession, recognising the unique opportunity engineering offers to create something lasting and meaningful.
“Engineering offers the chance to shape the built environment and see your work translate into something tangible,” she says. “It’s a rewarding career where your impact is visible and lasting, and where success is defined by your capability, not your gender.”
