Girls from years 3-4 of pre-university education get to know mechanical engineering

How do a hand prosthesis and an operation tool work? What are some sustainable solutions for beach litter? And what kind of technical innovations can you work on as a student team? During Girls’ Day 2022, 40 girls from the 3rd and 4th year of pre-university education (VWO) in Spieringshoek in Schiedam were introduced to the world of mechanical engineering.

Girls’ Day began on 7 April 2022 with a short introduction to mechanical engineering by the Women in Engineering Committee of Leeghwater Society. This was followed by three activities in which the girls learned more about the various aspects of this broad field of study.

They discovered that mechanical engineering can serve as a stepping stone to the biomedical field as well. The girls were allowed to experience for themselves how a hand prosthesis works and practice using an operation tool. A student initiative called Green-mE taught them the importance of sustainability in mechanical engineering, and the girls worked on a presentation of a solution for a social problem, such as preventing beach litter or using more wind energy. Finally, they were given a tour of the DreamHall and were able to see with their own eyes how dedicated students work in teams for a year on an innovative engineering project, such as the Project MARCH exoskeleton.

Positive feedback

The evaluation shows that 74% of the girls now view mechanical engineering in a different, more positive way. They especially enjoyed being able to test devices and come up with creative solutions. ‘And it was very interesting to hear about the experiences of women in engineering,’ one of the students said. That was exactly what the ten 3mE women who contributed to the event had in mind. ‘I think it’s important for girls to know at a young age that technology is also an option for them. A very good one at that,’ says Aimée Sakes, one of the activity leaders.

Why is Girls’ Day so important?

Women are still underrepresented in the engineering sciences and professions. Girls’ Day is an annual event where thousands of girls across the country visit companies and institutions in STEM and IT. Girls’ Day is an accessible way to get to know what this sector has to offer, meet women and get a broader view of their opportunities.

The 3mE Faculty has long been committed to increasing (gender) diversity in the pool of new students. Every year, an event is organised especially for girls, to familiarise them with mechanical engineering and spark their interest in the subject. Would you like to know more or make a contribution? Please contact Maretta Jol (m.l.jol@tudelft.nl).