Description

The session on “Women in Engineering: Agents of Change in Combating Climate Change” took place on the third day of the IEEE Sri Lanka Section Student | Young Professionals | Women in Engineering Congress 2023. Organized by the IEEE Women in Engineering Sri Lanka Section, the session served as a catalytic platform for fostering gender inclusion and climate action in engineering, science, and technology. The program began with an insightful keynote address on the critical role of oceanic engineering in addressing environmental challenges, showcasing the commitment of the IEEE SL SYW Congress 2023 in urging the engineering, science, and technology community to come up with feasible technical solutions to combat the pressing global issue of climate change. It was followed by a workshop that enlightened the participants on IEEE Women in Engineering, the IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section, its mission, initiatives, and the role of women in engineering in contributing to climate action. Subsequently, the participants were divided into teams for a networking session, where they were able to ponder on the ways they could contribute toward climate action. The session's core objectives included empowering women in engineering and related fields to play a pivotal role in combating climate change through their expertise and leadership, offering insights into sustainable engineering practices, and encouraging the development of strategic plans for climate action. The event successfully engaged nearly 200 participants, primarily undergraduates from all 22 IEEE Student Branches in Sri Lanka, women in engineering, and young professionals, emphasizing the significance of women's roles in addressing climate challenges. It aligned with IEEE's commitment to advancing technology for humanity by promoting discussions and actions on climate change issues, specifically within the context of women in engineering.