Since 2021, the Society of Women Engineers BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (SWE BPDC) affiliate based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been providing an inclusive environment for mentoring and development of professional and personal networks for students pursuing STEM careers. Today, SWE BPDC has more than 75 members and is the only active SWE affiliate in the UAE and Middle East, making it a unique hub for empowering women in engineering and technology in the region.
“This distinction drives our commitment to fostering a strong and inclusive community for aspiring and professional engineers,” says President Shifa Yashfeen, who is part of the core affiliate team along with Vice President Shyma Sulthana, Executive of Events Saanchi Kasar, Acting Executive of Events Shraddha Rajesh, and Marketing Coordinator Aleakhya Pandeti. SWE BPDC is led by Faculty-In-Charge Dr. Swarnalatha R, associate dean and admissions and marketing and associate professor in the department of electrical and electronics engineering, who supported the establishment of the affiliate and has mentored several women engineers through her leadership.
The team plans to create a more engaged and technically strong community of women in engineering by organizing more technical events, speaker panels, and networking sessions. They are also collaborating with industry professionals and alumni to expand opportunities for mentorship.
Signature Events
Among some of the events that the SWE BPDC has held in the past are:
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Puzzlex encouraged students to brainstorm in teams to achieve a bigger goal. Lead or be Lead held in 2021 was the first event and workshop conducted by the team, exploring different types of leadership styles and how small changes in daily practices and approaches help make more capable leaders. Students were given simple tasks that reflected their leadership style.
- Shark Tank was a pitch event organized to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among students, while also developing dynamic thinking and spontaneous problem-solving skills. Teams pitched innovative ideas on predetermined topics to a panel of judges, and the winning team was awarded AED 50 Amazon gift cards.
- Puzzlex encouraged students to brainstorm in teams to achieve a bigger goal, much like individual teams in tech companies that work together to achieve a target. The winning team earned an AED 75 cash prize.
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Galentine’s Picnic is held every February to celebrate amazing women through meaningful interactions. Galentine’s Picnic is held every February to celebrate amazing women through meaningful interactions. This includes icebreaker activities, exchanging advice and insights, and offering support and encouragement to one another in a spirit of mutual growth.
- BITS Tech Fest is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary competition, encompassing science, engineering, management, and humanities that was held on April 30. SWE BPDC organized a stall with STEM-based activities at the event, which served as a platform to learn, showcase creativity, and empower students to thrive in the digital age.
- Talk by industry professional: Hosted by WIE and SWE, “How do engineers make the world safer and more reliable?” was an engaging session featuring Rubayith Tasbhia, a passionate electrical engineer, project and laboratory leader, and sustainability enthusiast redefining innovation through real-world impact.
Recent Highlights
- SWE Club at BITS Pilani Dubai hosted a webinar featuring two alumni — Gurusshitha Subramanian and Joshita Pentapati — who both pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in biotechnology and are now completing their master’s outside the country. Subramanian, pursuing a master’s in cellular and molecular biology at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich discussed challenges adjusting to a new culture and climate and emphasized the importance of researching the location and culture before studying abroad. Pentapati, pursuing a master’s in regulatory affairs at Northeastern University in Boston, stressed the importance of researching universities and starting applications early in the third year of undergraduate studies and of building a social life and adjusting to living independently.
- SWE BPDC also hosted a webinar featuring alumna and former SWE President Preethika Thiraviam, who pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in chemical engineering and is now a Ph.D. student at the University of Chicago, specializing in molecular engineering with a focus on quantum science. She focused on several key topics, including the choice of elective and its importance in later years of study, taking project-based courses to gain in-depth knowledge on a topic of personal interest, and participating in extracurricular activities by joining clubs and taking up added programs and certifications to boost academic background. She also stressed the importance of professors providing guidance for students in their areas of interest and shared about her life on campus as a Ph.D. student.
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More than 60 participants attended International Women’s Day Celebrations on March 10. The most popular event they’ve hosted was International Women’s Day Celebration: Expert Insights and Health Awareness. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Women in Engineering (WIE) gathered on March 10 for expert-led discussions on critical health topics, followed by a free medical checkup camp in collaboration with Grand Infinity Medical Center. More than 60 participants attended. The event commenced with an insightful welcome speech by Director Prof. Souri Banerjee, who emphasized the impact of lifestyle choices on long-term health. The first session was led by Dr. Yashoda Mishra, a general practitioner with 11+ years of experience, who provided an in-depth discussion on hypertension and diabetes in the modern world, including trends, risks, and solutions. Following this, Maureen Martin, a senior physiotherapist with 17+ years of experience, conducted an engaging session on ergonomics in the workplace and daily life, explaining the significance of ergonomics in preventing discomfort and injuries caused by improper workplace environments.
Upcoming Programs
SWE BPDC is looking to add to its membership numbers and offers several perks, including:
- Networking with professionals to engage with leading engineers, innovators, and thought leaders from the industry who can guide and mentor members.
- Exclusive events designed to inspire, educate, and connect members with like-minded individuals.
- Discount offers so members can enjoy special discounts for exclusive events and access to resources.
The team recently collaborated with SWENextLA for an enriching cross-cultural exchange and looks forward to more joint initiatives with SWE affiliates around the globe.
As they continue to grow, the SWE BPDC affiliate is excited about building new connections, sharing resources, and learning from other affiliates to empower the next generation of engineers, locally and globally.
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