Lost and found:
women engineers in tech
“By combining visible role models and strong professional networks,
we can make the tech industry more appealing and accessible to women,
ultimately leading to greater innovation and diversity.”
Marta Benedyczak,
Senior Communication Manager, Siemens Poland
From academic success to industry silence
It started in 2018, in partnership with the Perspektywy Foundation, known for its work promoting women in STEM, including the Women in Tech Summit. At the time, Siemens observed a promising trend: more women were enrolling in technical universities and choosing engineering as their field of study. But something wasn’t adding up – despite academic progress, very few of these women in engineering were entering the tech job market after graduation.
“There was a clear disconnect,” said Marta Benedyczak, involved in the project since few years. “We kept hearing about rising numbers of female students in technical fields, but we weren’t seeing them apply for jobs – not at Siemens, not at our clients’. We realized it’s not about ability. It’s about visibility, support, and a sense of belonging.”
From observation to action: Inżynierki 4.0
To address this challenge and help bridge the STEM gender gap, Siemens launched their flagship program – Inżynierki 4.0 (Women Engineers 4.0) – a concrete initiative that empowers female students and graduates to take their first confident steps into careers in robotics, automation, IT, and engineering.
Every year, over 120 women apply to participate. A jury selects 30 finalists, who are invited to Siemens’ headquarters for an intensive two-day workshop. The experience blends technical skill-building with real-world exposure: participants engage in hands-on sessions, learn directly from experts, and connect with successful female role models already working in the industry.
As Marta Benedyczak puts it, “One key way to attract more women into the tech industry is by creating and promoting strong role models who can inspire and guide others. When women see successful individuals who look like them and have overcome similar challenges, it becomes easier to imagine themselves in those roles. Role models help break stereotypes and show that a career in tech is not only possible but also rewarding.”
“Equally important is supporting young women in building networks. Networking provides access to mentorship, job opportunities, and peer support. Women’s tech communities, events, and online platforms can help create these valuable connections and reduce the feeling of isolation.”, she adds.
A win-win: for women and the industry
“We treat Siemens Inżynierki 4.0 not only as a learning opportunity, but as a launchpad – a space where women feel seen, supported, and encouraged to pursue their ambitions,” says Marta. “They study engineering. They have the talent. We just need to show them they belong – and that the tech world needs them.”
This initiative reflects Siemens’ broader commitment to diversity in tech and advancing tech career programs for women. It’s not just about skills – it’s about confidence, community, and connection. Many participants go on to start careers in tech, proving that with the right support, the “leaky pipeline” doesn’t have to leak at all.
But Siemens isn’t only investing in future employees – it’s investing in the strength of the industry itself. By expanding access and opportunity, Inżynierki 4.0 helps build a more diverse, qualified, and resilient talent pipeline – benefiting partners, clients, and the wider tech ecosystem.
This article is a recap of the latest edition of 42 Warsaw Talks – a series where we explore the IT industry not only through technology, but also from a social perspective.
Just like our educational model at 42 Warsaw, the focus is on practical, real-world insights. We invite experts to share experiences and ideas that drive meaningful change. In June, we explored how to include more women in tech – as a warm-up to the Women in Tech Summit 2025, where we’re a proud community partner.
Curious about our next events? Stay connected with campus updates on our social media.
