Women in Engineering: Stories of Belonging, Growth, and the Power of Support

Engineering shapes the world we live in. But the people shaping it don’t always reflect the world around us. Women in engineering still face barriers of access, representation and recognition. But they also bring resilience, innovation, and perspective that drive progress in ways that are both measurable and meaningful.

To mark Women in Engineering Day, we sat down (digitally) with three MB.ioneers whose stories are honest, practical, and deeply human. They speak about building confidence, navigating doubt, claiming space, and helping others do the same.

This isn’t just about gender in tech. It’s about belonging and how we build a future where more people get to say, “I see myself here.”

What does it mean to belong in engineering?

Engineering is often defined by logic, precision, and problem-solving. But the people who choose this path bring much more to the table. They bring curiosity, resilience, and the ability to reimagine what’s possible. For women in engineering, this journey often comes with added weight: the need to prove, to persist, to push through spaces not always designed for them.

Hélia Freire, a Backend Engineer who started her career with a background in mathematics, describes engineering as something both joyful and deeply fulfilling. “I get to build stuff that actually works and makes a difference,” she says. “It’s creative, logical, collaborative, challenging and honestly kind of fun.”

But she’s also honest about what hasn’t changed.

Sometimes it’s still weird being one of the few women in the room. But that just makes me more determined to take up space and help make tech a place where everyone feels like they belong.

Frontend Engineer Eduarda Cruz shares this perspective. She’s drawn to the satisfaction of solving problems and building things that matter. Yet, she also acknowledges the unspoken challenge of underrepresentation. “In a field where women are still underrepresented, it means pushing boundaries and claiming my space.”

For Emna Maâlej, a Quality Assurance Engineer, engineering is about impact - on people, on systems, and on society. “Being in the world of engineering means being part of a global community. It’s not just about writing or testing code. It’s thinking about how our work affects people and how we can build systems that are safe, efficient, and sustainable.”

The quiet power of support

Belonging doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s shaped by the people around us: the ones who trust us, challenge us, and give us space to grow.

Eduarda remembers a crucial moment early in her career when someone believed in her before she fully believed in herself. “Having a mentor or a team of supportive professionals around you, especially at the start of your career, is so important,” she says. “A good mentor throws you the rope when the climb feels impossible and reminds you that you belong here.”

For Hélia, the support wasn’t a dramatic turning point but a steady presence. “There wasn’t one big movie moment,” she explains. “But I had teammates and managers who trusted me, gave me room to grow, and treated me like I belonged - even when I didn’t feel that way yet.”

Emna speaks of two people who shaped her path - one who helped her develop strong communication skills, and another who encouraged her to keep learning and growing as a technical professional. “Each one made an impact on who I am today,” she says. “They helped me see what I was capable of and gave me the space to discover more.”

These moments of mentorship, encouragement, and belief may seem small on the surface. But over time, they build the confidence and competence that keep women not just entering the field, but thriving in it.

What needs to keep changing

Over the years, some things have improved. More women are entering tech. More companies are talking about inclusion. There’s greater awareness of bias, better tools for support, and a wider understanding that diversity drives innovation. Still, the pace of change isn’t fast enough.

“I’ve been in tech for over 15 years,” Hélia says, “and it’s been really great to see more and more women getting into the field.” Her hope is that fewer women will feel like the exception in the room, and more will feel like the standard.

Emna is clear about what progress looks like: visibility, recognition, and leadership. “We should celebrate women’s skills, innovation, and leadership. Gender should never be a barrier,” she says. For her, equality means respect in the workplace, equal pay, and opportunities from an early age - including mentorship and exposure to engineering through education.

Eduarda adds that belonging doesn’t mean pretending the struggles don’t exist. It means moving through them with support and solidarity. “There will be days when you feel unstoppable, and others when you’ll question if you will make it,” she says.

Engineering is a constant journey of learning and growing. The most important thing is to be persistent and trust the process.

Advice for the next generation

When asked what advice they’d give to women just starting out in engineering, each voice brings honesty, warmth, and a reminder that no one has all figured out.

“Don’t stress about knowing everything right away,” Hélia says. “It’s totally normal to feel lost at first. Just focus on learning a little bit every day. Ask questions. Mess up. That’s how you get better.”

Eduarda encourages new engineers not to isolate themselves. “Reach out to others. Ask for help. Share the struggle. You don’t have to do it alone.”

Emna keeps it simple:

Don’t fear failure. Find people who inspire you. Communicate clearly. And have fun. We’re here to make things better—enjoy the process, not just the outcomes.

A future built by everyone

Engineering shapes the future in ways both obvious and invisible. From systems to services, tools to technology, it affects how people live, connect, and grow. But that future won’t reflect everyone, unless it’s built by everyone.

The stories of Hélia, Emna, and Eduarda remind us of what’s possible when women are seen, supported, and celebrated. They also remind us that inclusion is not an end point. It’s a daily practice, a cultural commitment, and a shared responsibility.

Today we celebrate every woman building a future in engineering, one thoughtful decision, one line of code, one act of courage at a time. Because belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we make space for each other to show up, grow, and lead.