Engineering has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, but that narrative is steadily evolving. Women are not only entering engineering in greater numbers but also making significant contributions across all disciplines—from civil to aerospace to software engineering. Yet, despite progress, challenges persist.

Historically, women faced systemic barriers: limited access to education, biases in hiring, and lack of representation. Today, while more women are earning engineering degrees than ever before, retention in the profession remains a concern due to workplace culture and unequal advancement opportunities.

The future of engineering is diverse, and empowering women in the field isn’t just the right thing to do—it drives innovation, enhances collaboration, and builds stronger solutions for society as a whole.

The ESA is actively supporting the involvement of women in the sealing industry. The following two interview links give inside views from women working for our member companies.

Francesca Torriani from General Packing in Italy, also the chairwoman of the ESA Flange Gaskets Division, was interviewed by World Pumps magazine about her experience as a woman engineer. The second interview was provided by our member EagleBurgmann. Here Julia Wutte and Stefanie Kreft talk about their experience in the mechanical seal industry.

Women in Engineering Interview Julia Wutte and Stefanie Kreft

Women in Engineering Interview Francesca Torriani World Pumps 0525