Recent executive directives in the United States present new challenges to fostering inclusive and equitable environments for women and underrepresented groups in engineering and technology. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is actively monitoring these changes to assess their impact on our members, partners, and programs. Now more than ever, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to empowering women to reach their full potential as engineers and leaders. We stand resolute in our mission to advocate for gender parity, equity, and opportunity in STEM — regardless of shifting policies.
This evolving landscape demands vigilance, collaboration, and resilience. SWE continues to engage with members, partners, our Board of Directors, and industry leaders to evaluate the broader implications of legislative changes, including executive orders that affect government-funded initiatives and policy, such as ADVANCE and Title IX along with pressure on educational institutions to remove support of SWE sections. We recognize that these shifts may create uncertainty, but we encourage our members, allies, and stakeholders to persist in fostering inclusive workplaces, communities, and educational institutions — while also prioritizing personal well-being.
- Connect & Collaborate: Leverage SWE’s network to exchange best practices, resources, and strategies for maintaining inclusivity. Join the SWE Mentor Network to discuss recent developments, share insights, and navigate challenges together.
- Access SWE Resources: SWE provides valuable tools and training sessions to help you advocate for DEI. Explore the Advance Learning Center for expert content on fostering inclusive environments in engineering and technology.
- Advocate & Educate: Sharing your experiences can be a powerful catalyst for change. Engage colleagues, leadership, and allies in discussions on the value of diversity and equity. Use programs like HeForSWE, or our other 20+ Affinity Groups, to build allyship and bridge philosophical differences in your workplace and community.
- Spotlight Positive Action: Many organizations remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting women and underrepresented groups in STEM. Help us highlight relevant companies and initiatives that have recommitted to making a difference by submitting them as All Together blog posts so we can amplify and support their efforts.
- Support SWE: Legislative changes may threaten funding for programs that advance SWE’s mission, impacting efforts to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering and technology. SWE is assessing these challenges and exploring ways to provide targeted support. Consider donating to help sustain initiatives most affected by these changes.
Together, we are stronger. SWE remains committed to standing with you, advocating for equity, and ensuring that women in STEM continue to thrive. Thank you for your resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to progress. We will continue to update you, our members, as new information becomes available. Please contact us with questions or feedback. We are in this together!
