Source : https://sciencesforgirls.com
Source : https://sciencesforgirls.com
A look back at our conference “Engineering Careers for Women”, held at Vincennes Town Hall
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the SciencesForGirls association hosted a conference at Vincennes City Hall, dedicated to engineering professions and the challenges of gender diversity in these sectors. Presented by Alizée Cinquin, president of the association, this meeting addressed essential topics to encourage young women to pursue careers in science and technology.
Why talk about engineering careers for women?
Engineering careers offer diverse and exciting opportunities, but they are still too often perceived as reserved for men. Yet, women have a vital role to play in these fields, and their presence is a major asset for innovation and team diversity. According to the latest statistics, only 24% of engineers in France are women. This imbalance underscores the importance of raising awareness among young women from the outset of their academic choices, so they feel confident envisioning themselves in these careers.
A variety of professions to discover
Engineering isn’t limited to a single field. It encompasses sectors as diverse as energy, information technology, the environment, aerospace, and healthcare. Each specialty offers unique challenges and exciting career prospects. For example, a computer engineer might work on artificial intelligence projects, while an environmental engineer could contribute to sustainable solutions for the planet.
During the conference, we highlighted this diversity to show participants that engineering careers are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. Whether you’re passionate about mathematics, physics, biology, or even the humanities, there’s a place for everyone in these fields.
Training pathways to engineering
To become an engineer, several paths are possible. The most common training includes engineering schools, primarily accessible after preparatory classes or directly after high school graduation, but also through parallel admissions from bachelor’s degrees, two-year university diplomas (BUT), or two-year vocational diplomas (BTS). Universities also offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science and technology, which allow students to acquire solid and recognized skills.
Deconstructing preconceived ideas about scientific studies
Another objective of the conference was to deconstruct the stereotypes surrounding scientific studies. Many young women mistakenly believe that these fields are too difficult, too technical, or ill-suited to their aspirations. Yet, science and engineering are areas where creativity, collaboration, and innovation are central to projects.
Diversity, a key issue for innovation
Diversity in engineering teams isn’t just about equality. It’s also a driver of innovation. Studies show that diverse teams, in terms of gender, culture, and skill set, are more creative and perform better. By integrating more women into these professions, we foster the emergence of new ideas and solutions better suited to society’s needs.
Many thanks to the Vincennes town hall and to the participants
We would like to warmly thank the Vincennes town hall for its welcome and its commitment to equality and youth guidance. Thanks to initiatives like this one, we can reach a wider audience and raise awareness among more young women about the opportunities offered by engineering careers.
A special thank you to all the participants for their attentiveness, insightful questions, and the enriching discussions. Your enthusiasm and curiosity are a source of inspiration for us all.
At SciencesForGirls, we believe in diversity as a driver of innovation.
Our association firmly believes that every young woman should be able to freely pursue careers in science and engineering. We continue to organize events, workshops, and meetings to break down barriers and encourage vocations. Together, we can build a future where women fully participate in these exciting fields.
