If you are someone working or studying in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field, I am sure you have heard of ‘IEEE’ at least in passing.
What is IEEE?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, commonly known as IEEE, is the world’s largest technical organisation dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, n.d.). As of 2021, over 400,00 people in 160 countries are proud members of IEEE.
What is IEEE Women in Engineering?
Women in Engineering (WIE) is an organisational unit of IEEE, with over 20,000 members in more than 100 countries.
It is an organisation dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists, and inspiring girls around the world to follow their academic interests in a career in engineering and science (IEEE Women in Engineering, n.d.).
As with any organisation working toward women empowerment, the goals of WIE cannot be achieved solely through women’s efforts. Therefore, IEEE WIE is not an organisation limited to women; it is an organisation that welcomes any and all members and volunteers irrespective of their gender.
We are a group of MEN and WOMEN working together to help promoting women engineers and scientists, and inspiring girls around the world.
Mariem Ayed
IEEE Women in Engineering in Sri Lanka
There are IEEE WIE Affinity Groups in Sri Lanka governed by the IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section in the following universities:
University of Peradeniya,
University of Moratuwa,
University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC),
University of Ruhuna, University of Kelaniya,
University of Uva Wellassa,
University of Jaffna,
University of Sabaragamuwa,
University of Wayamba,
Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT),
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT),
Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC),
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU),
National School of Business Management (NSBM),
Open University of Sri Lanka, etc.
All these affinity groups along with the IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section work toward fostering technological innovation and excellence in women of engineering and other associated disciplines all across the country through various projects, competitions, symposiums, etc. Two key projects organised by the IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section are ‘Code with WIE’ and ‘WIE Symposium’.
Why join IEEE Women in Engineering?
As someone involved in IEEE and IEEE WIE for almost two years, let me tell you why I think one should join a WIE Affinity Group.
There are many benefits to being a part of IEEE WIE.
One of the biggest advantages of being a part of the global WIE community is the ability to network. It is amazing how many people you can meet from all over the world that share your vision!
WIE also offers awards, scholarships, travel grants to its members, and allows them to discover and harness their leadership skills and inspire and empower young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
At IEEE WIE, members receive the opportunity to make lifelong friendships, acquire influential mentors, and make a difference for the benefit of humanity (IEEE Women in Engineering, n.d.).
If you are an undergraduate hoping to pursue a career in a STEM field attending a university with an IEEE WIE Affinity Group, I urge you to join and be a part of the global WIE community!
References
- “IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section .” IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section, ieeewie.lk/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2021.
- “Membership.” Membership | IEEE WIE, wie.ieee.org/membership/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2021.
- IEEE Women in Engineering. “WHY IEEE WIE? By IEEE WIE ENISo.” Www.youtube.com, 4 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2zvpSHWbl8. Accessed 4 Dec. 2021.
Written by: Rtr. Hiruni Hettiarachchi
Edited by: Rtr. Abinaya Sritharan
RACALBS
Editor