Pioneer women in engineering studies: what can we learn from their experiences?

ABSTRACT

Women's access to higher education in Spain began in the last third of the nineteenth century. However, the full incorporation of women into technical studies did not occur until a century later. This article presents the results of research into the access of the first women to do technical studies in Catalonia (northeast Spain). Data have been collected from 11 technical schools belonging to the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) with the aim of understanding the dynamics of the incorporation of women into these schools between 1851 (foundation of the first engineering school in Catalonia) and 1980. Interviews were conducted with 21 pioneer women who completed their technical studies. Their experiences show how technical schools had to adapt, both physically and culturally, to female students. Finally, the current status of female engineers in Catalonia is compared with the situation in other Western countries. Similarities are found that show the relevance of gender as a social structuring force.

KEYWORDS:

• Women in engineering
• gender
• higher education
• equal opportunities
• discrimination

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to the people of UPC who have made it possible for us to access data, and above all, our deepest gratitude to the women engineers who have dedicated their time and have allowed us to explore their memories though the interviews that support our work.

Notes on contributors

Patricia Pardo has been PhD in Chemical Science since 2003. Since 2006 she has been lecturer in the Department of Construction Engineering in the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). Since 2010 she has been a member of GIOPACT (Group of Equality Opportunities in Architecture, Science and Technology) – UPC. Her research is focused on women and on women in engineering.

M. Dolors Calvet has been PhD from the Technical University of Catalonia since 2005. Since 2010 she has been lecturer in the Department of Construction Engineering in the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). Since 2004 she has been a member of GIOPACT – UPC. Her research is focused on women and on women in engineering. She is coauthor of manuals for foster Equal Opportunities in the universities in the enterprise and in the city council.

Olga Pons has been PhD in Business Administration since 2000. She is lecturer in the Department of Management in the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). Since 2004 she has been a member of GIOPACT – UPC and her director since 2007. Her research is focused on women and on women in engineering. She is coauthor of manuals for fostering Equal Opportunities in the universities in the enterprise and in the city council.

Ma. Carme Martinez has been PhD in Business Administration since 1993. She is lecturer in the Department of Business Administration in the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). Since 2004 she has been a member of GIOPACT – UPC and she was the director between 2004 and 2007. Her research is focused on women and on women in engineering. She is coauthor of manuals for foster Equal Opportunities in the universities in the enterprise and in the city council.

Additional information

Funding

This study could not have been conducted without the financial support of the l'Institut Català de les Dones of the Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya.