Thriving in a Male-Dominated Industry: An Interview with Małgorzata Kotkiewicz, Engineering Team Leader, on International Women in Engineering Day 2026
International Women in Engineering Day – Why It Matters
Every year on June 23, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED). Established by the Women’s Engineering Society in the UK, this initiative aims to recognize the achievements of women in engineering and raise awareness of the many opportunities available within the engineering profession and the broader technology sector.Although the number of women pursuing technical careers continues to grow, they remain underrepresented in many engineering disciplines. According to UNESCO, women account for approximately one-third of scientists worldwide, while numerous studies show that diverse technology teams tend to be more innovative and effective at solving complex problems.
To mark this occasion, we spoke with Małgorzata Kotkiewicz, an Embedded Engineer and Engineering Team Leader at EmbeddedSystems.do. She shared her journey into engineering, her experiences working in the technology sector, and the advice she would give to women considering a career in the field.From Curiosity to Career: The Beginning of an Engineering Journey
Research conducted by the Adamed Foundation shows that 1 in 3 female high school students believes she lacks the aptitude for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects, despite many aspiring to prestigious and fulfilling careers. These findings highlight the significant influence stereotypes still have on young women’s educational and career choices.Q: What was your main motivation for choosing an engineering career? When did you realize this was the direction you wanted to pursue?
Małgorzata Kotkiewicz: I’ve wanted to be an engineer for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had an analytical mindset – mathematics came naturally to me, and I was fascinated by understanding how things work. The only thing I wasn’t sure about for a long time was which area of engineering I wanted to specialize in. Things started becoming clearer in high school when I began learning programming. However, I felt that something was missing – I wanted to work with something tangible and real. That’s what led me to study Automation and Robotics, combining my hands-on interests with analytical thinking. Moving into the world of embedded systems was a natural next step for exactly the same reason: it allowed me to combine programming with real hardware and see the direct impact of my work.”Women in Engineering: Progress Is Visible, but Challenges Remain
According to UNESCO data, women account for as much as 49% of scientists and engineers in Poland – a significantly higher proportion than in the United States (20.4%), Australia (23.2%), or the United Kingdom (23.5%). However, there is still much work to be done, particularly when it comes to women’s representation in engineering positions.According to a report by Bergman Engineering, women make up only 16% of engineers in Poland’s largest companies. Bridging this gap remains an important challenge for the industry as a whole.
Experts emphasize that access to technical education, strong role models, and opportunities to experience engineering in practice are among the key factors influencing young women’s career decisions.Q: Is the male majority in the industry noticeable to you? Why do you think fewer women choose engineering careers, and what could encourage more women to give engineering a try?
Małgorzata Kotkiewicz: Men definitely outnumber women in this industry, and it’s something you notice. I think some women simply aren’t interested in this field, which is perfectly natural. What’s important, however, is ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to discover whether engineering is the right path for them. That’s why it’s so important to show young people what engineering actually looks like from an early stage of education and to challenge the stereotypes associated with the profession. Greater visibility of role models and stronger support systems could encourage more women to explore opportunities in this field. The findings of a 2023 study support this perspective: 72% of female high-school students stated that access to technical facilities and dedicated educational programs would be a key factor motivating them to pursue an engineering career in the future.Women Transforming the Technology Industry
Today’s engineering landscape increasingly demonstrates that success in technology has little to do with gender and everything to do with competence, commitment, and a willingness to keep learning.Women are designing advanced systems, working in automation, leading research and development projects, driving innovation in artificial intelligence, and managing high-performing engineering teams.
Małgorzata Kotkiewicz is one example of this growing trend.Through her work in embedded systems, she has not only developed deep technical expertise but has also taken on leadership responsibilities as an engineering team leader. Her story demonstrates how determination, curiosity, and a passion for technology can lead to growth in both technical and leadership roles.Leading an Engineering Team Effectively
Q: What principles guide you when managing an engineering team? What matters most to you when working with others?
Małgorzata Kotkiewicz: For me, teamwork and a shared commitment to achieving goals are the most important things. I value open communication and mutual support, ensuring that every team member can contribute their knowledge and experience. I also strongly believe in learning from one another – whether through knowledge sharing or collaborative problem-solving. I encourage the team to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on challenges.The Future of Engineering Needs Diversity
Stories like Małgorzata’s show that the engineering industry is evolving. More women are choosing technical fields, contributing to technological innovation, and stepping into leadership positions. At the same time, data suggests there is still a need to support young girls in developing STEM skills, building confidence, and overcoming stereotypes associated with technical careers. International Women in Engineering Day is a valuable opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of women already working in the profession, but also to inspire future generations to discover their own potential.Advice for Women Starting Their Careers
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are just beginning their engineering careers?
Małgorzata Kotkiewicz: Don’t be afraid of not knowing everything, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Take advantage of the knowledge and experience of more seasoned colleagues and learn as much as you can from them. Most importantly, don’t let initial setbacks discourage you. Keep developing your skills, stay persistent, and trust the learning process.