To mark International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026, CIHT spoke to Kate Carpenter FCIHT, who later this week will become President of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT), about the importance of engineering leadership, the role of diverse perspectives in shaping better outcomes, and why supporting the next generation of engineers matters more than ever.

This year's INWED theme, Engineering Intelligence, celebrates the expertise, creativity, judgement and leadership that engineers bring to solving complex challenges across society. The theme highlights how engineering is about far more than technical knowledge alone – it is about applying insight, collaboration and innovation to create safer, greener and more inclusive communities.

Kate Carpenter is Director of Operational Safety at Jacobs and a recognised leader in transport safety, supporting strategic and local authority clients in delivering evidence-based approaches to intervention design and network management. Her work has spanned major projects including smart motorways, the Queensferry Crossing and schemes for Transport Scotland, the Welsh Government and Transport for London.

What does the theme "Engineering Intelligence" mean to you?

Engineering Intelligence perfectly captures what modern engineering is all about. Technical expertise remains fundamental, but the biggest challenges facing our profession require much more than technical solutions alone.

Whether we are improving road safety, supporting active travel, reducing emissions or creating more inclusive transport networks, engineers must bring together data, evidence, creativity, collaboration and empathy. Good engineering is about understanding how people interact with places and systems and then applying our knowledge to create positive change.

The most successful engineers are those who can combine technical excellence with critical thinking, leadership and the ability to work across disciplines.

What excites you most about being an engineer today?

The opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives.

Across highways and transportation, we have an incredible opportunity to help create safer, healthier and more sustainable communities. From improving road safety outcomes to enabling active travel and supporting economic growth, our work shapes how people experience the world around them.

Today's engineers also have access to more information, technology and insight than ever before. The challenge – and the exciting part – is using that intelligence wisely to deliver better outcomes for society.

As you prepare to become CIHT President, what message would you like to share with women considering a career in engineering?

Engineering offers an incredibly rewarding career where you can solve problems, make a tangible impact and continuously learn.

Our profession benefits when it draws on a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Diversity strengthens decision-making, encourages innovation and helps us design solutions that work for everyone.

My advice is simple: do not underestimate the value of your voice, your ideas or your perspective. There are many different pathways into engineering, and there is no single model of what an engineer looks like.

What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?

It is an opportunity to celebrate achievement, recognise talented individuals and shine a light on the contributions women make across every part of engineering.

While our sector has made progress, there is still work to do to ensure engineering is a profession where everyone can thrive and reach their potential. INWED helps create visibility, encourages conversations and inspires the next generation to see engineering as a career open to them.

Most importantly, it reminds us that talent exists everywhere, and our responsibility is to make sure opportunities do too.

How can the profession continue to attract and retain more women?

We need to continue creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and able to progress.

That means visible role models, strong mentoring networks, flexible career pathways and cultures that recognise different styles of leadership and communication. It also means engaging with young people early and helping them understand the breadth of opportunities available within highways, transportation and engineering.

Creating an inclusive profession is not the responsibility of any one group. It requires collective action across organisations, institutions and individuals.

Celebrate INWED 2026 with CIHT

CIHT is proud to support and celebrate International Women in Engineering Day through a range of activities that champion inclusion, professional development and networking opportunities across the sector.

CIHT East Midlands & East Midlands Rail EI Joint INWED Networking Event

24 June 2026 | Nottingham

This free networking event will bring together professionals from across the highways, transport and rail sectors to celebrate women in engineering and share experiences. Attendees will hear from Dr Jwan Kamla, who will discuss her engineering journey and expertise in road safety and transportation analytics, alongside Kimberley Butcher, presenting research into the retention of women in UK civil engineering. The event also includes networking and an interactive Q&A session.

Find out more and register:

• CIHT East Midlands & East Midlands Rail EI Joint INWED Networking Event

International Women in Engineering Day Networking Event

23 June 2026 | Birmingham

Hosted by the CIHT West Midlands Women's Network, this event provides an opportunity for women and allies from across transport, highways, engineering and infrastructure to come together, share experiences and strengthen professional connections. The evening aims to support networking, mentoring and collaboration while raising awareness of CIHT's ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Find out more and register:

• CIHT East Midlands & East Midlands Rail EI Joint INWED Networking Event
• International Women in Engineering Day Networking Event

As CIHT prepares to welcome Kate Carpenter as its next President, International Women in Engineering Day 2026 provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of women across our profession, but also to recognise the engineering intelligence, leadership and innovation that will help shape the future of transport and infrastructure. Through events, conversations and collective action, we can continue building a profession that attracts, develops and supports talented people from all backgrounds. 

CIHT Presidential Inauguration - 24 June 2026

Want to hear what Kate will have to say at her presidential inauguration, you can join the live stream here