The inherent personality of women as an asset to the engineering workplace

Abstract

In surveying the situation in South Africa, the author contends that, as females, the male emphasis on ordering, obeying, and dealing in facts is unnecessary. Females, she notes, see others predominantly as equals. There is no need for a hierarchical structure when females get together. This is changing the way businesses need to operate. Because oftheir concern for their children, women have a strong desire to contribute to the progress and well-being of society, and they can do this as engineers. The existence of female support groups must become common knowledge so that those needing help and encouragement will know where to go. The ability of women to simultaneously execute a number of tasks, to negotiate skillfully, and to get results is also noted. © 2001 ASCE.