Women in STEM and beyond: ABB’s gender diversity initiatives
It has been proven that women's participation in the workforce drives economic growth and organizational performance. Despite proven benefits, research shows that global gender parity could take more than 100 years if the current rate of progress continues. In this article, we will explore how ABB is fostering gender inclusion in engineering and the broader workforce through its policies, programs and career opportunities.
Web Story
5min
2026-06-14
Key facts on women at work (2025)
68.8% global gender gap closed
<p>(World Economic Form)<sup>7</sup></p>123 years to full gender parity (estimated)
<p>(World Economic Form)<sup>7</sup></p>28% women in STEM workforce
<p>(Women in STEM network)<sup>9</sup></p>Women representation decreases the higher you go up the seniority ladder
<p>(LinkedIn)<sup>8</sup></p>30.6% women in leadership roles
<p>(LinkedIn)<sup>8</sup></p>What barriers do women face in the workplace?
What is the business case for gender diversity?
- Research from the World Bank and the International Labor Organization (ILO) show that including women in the workplace can lead to economic growth.1 In addition, gender diversity at leadership levels improves organizational performance, according to the ILO and the Peterson Institute for International Economics highlight.2,3 Many organizations report that gender inclusivity makes it easier to attract and retain talent, while also driving improvements in creativity, innovation, and openness.3
- Similarly, gender diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is linked with growing economies, increasing creativity, and improving business outcomes. The World Economic Forum estimates that doubling the number of women in technology by 2027 could add 600 billion euros to the global economy.4 Organizations with gender-diverse teams can strengthen innovation in research and development and produce more novel and impactful scientific discoveries, according to research from ScienceDirect5 and the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.6
Why are women in the workplace underrepresented?
- While organizations must assess their own workforce realities, a Deloitte study shows that poor health and well-being, unequal household and caregiving responsibilities, lack of flexible work, inadequate employer support, concerns on personal safety, and non-inclusive behaviors are among the main challenges women face in the workplace.10
Why are women in STEM careers underrepresented?
- In STEM, the retention of women in these fields remains a major challenge, particularly in technical and leadership roles. Pay gaps, cultural barriers, and limited career progression all contribute.9 This suggests that how companies support women in STEM continues to be a priority.
ABB’s commitment to gender inclusion
Inclusion is important in global engineering - and ABB recognizes this. ABB operates in over 100 countries with 110,000 employees - and we believe that diverse, gender-inclusive teams are fundamental to our success.
When teams feel psychologically safe, they can drive performance and innovate faster. Engineers who feel welcomed and supported solve more complex problems and stay more engaged.
ABB aims to build an inclusive workplace so that our employees can come as they are and help run what runs the world. This is part of our broader Diversity and Inclusion framework, driven by a three pillar model of governance, inclusive leadership and culture, and partnerships.
"At ABB, we are fully committed to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, also mirrored in our Sustainability Agenda. We strive to create safe, fair, and inclusive working environments where people can succeed and develop. And we have a clear and measurable target for women in senior management. We are equally committed to community engagement, with a focus on STEM education and empowerment, especially for women and girls."
Morten Wierod, CEO of ABB
ABB’s initiatives driving inclusion across genders
Code of Conduct
<p>Our Code of Conduct includes a clause that enforces zero tolerance against discrimination based on gender identity, biological sex and parental status. </p>Parental leave
<p><a href="https://www.abb.com/global/en/company/stories/parental-leave">ABB’s gender-neutral parental leave program</a> supports parents, without differentiating the gender. </p>Flexible work practices
<p>Our flexible work guidelines support all colleagues, regardless of gender, to thrive in the workplace on terms that suit their individual needs.</p>Inclusive language guide
<p>This guide offers simple, practical ways to make everyday communication more respectful and accessible across all dimensions of diversity, including gender diversity.</p>Learning and development
<p>We engage thousands of employees worldwide through panels, training sessions, online forums, learning pathways and other resources focused on topics such as gender inclusion, inclusive hiring practices, career development for women, and the health and wellbeing for both women and men. We also offer a global female mentoring program to support professional growth.</p>Employee resource groups and employee networks
<p><b>Women professionals:</b> The mission is to ignite a culture of diverse talent, which supports the development and retention of female professionals.</p> <p><b>Women in STEM:</b> The mission is to support and develop female colleagues in STEM careers. </p>Celebrating women
<p>We continue to demonstrate the achievements of women at work and in STEM careers to inspire current and future generations. Celebrations for International Women’s Day is just one way we share our employees’ experiences and successes.</p>Local awards and recognition
<p>We were recognized as one of the best companies for professional women under 35 <a href="https://efy.firstjob.me/ranking/efy-fem-peru-2024">in Peru</a> and <a href="https://efy.firstjob.me/ranking/efy-fem-chile-2024">in Chile</a>, awarded through Employers for Youth. In India, ABB was recognized as one of the top 3 companies in DivHERsity - Manufacturing by <a href="https://events.herkey.com/accelherate/DivHERsity-Showcase">HerKey</a>, celebrating women in manufacturing in India.</p>School and university partnerships
<p>These partnerships connect students with real business and engineering challenges. </p>Highlighting country initiatives for gender inclusion in STEM
Local early‑talent programs
These programs in multiple countries that ABB operates play a key role in supporting women at the start of their careers.
Girls Day in Germany
ABB Germany opens its sites to young women to explore STEM and skilled trades.
Girls in STEM in China
ABB China engages female students through factory tours, workshops and “Women Talk” sessions.
“RISE” program in India
ABB India offers leadership development for women, sharing clear progression pathways from early‑career to mid‑career.
Sustainable Talent Program in Italy
ABB Italy has a three‑month mentoring and development initiative for young women STEM graduates, pairing them with ABB professionals and supporting their transition into engineering roles.
Celebrating International Women’s Day and gender inclusive events
We were recognized as one of the best companies for professional women under 35 in Peru and in Chile, awarded through Employers for Youth.
In India, ABB was recognized as one of the top 3 companies in DivHERsity - Manufacturing by HerKey, celebrating women in manufacturing in India.
ABB colleagues and women in engineering share their perspectives
ABB Review: Women in Technology
We published a special edition of our technical journal: ABB Review Special Report: Women in Technology. With topics ranging with topics ranging from the sustainability of AI models to high-precision gas measurements, this curated collection of previously published articles showcases their research and innovations in a wide range of technology areas.
WOMEN IN STEM CAREERS AT ABB CORPORATE RESEARCH
Curious about how a career at an ABB Corporate Research Center looks? Hear from our women in engineering, technology, science, and mathematics.
A Conversation That Sparks Innovation: Women & Girls in Science
We hosted A Conversation That Sparks Innovation: Women & Girls in Science - a live discussion where ABB’s women in STEM and young girls came together to explore career journeys and how companies support women in STEM careers.
Click play on the right to learn more.
Diversity and Inclusion at ABB
At ABB, we believe that, when we value every perspective, we unlock the full potential of our people and our business. Valuing perspectives across genders strengthens how we understand one another and how we work together.
Join the team that runs what runs the world
Visit the careers portal
Learn more about women at ABB
Sources:
- Women, Business, and the Law 2024 - World Bank; World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 - International Labor Organization
- Is Gender Diversity Profitable? Evidence from a Global Survey - PIIE
- Women in Business and Management: The business case for change - International Labour Organization
- Reaching for the stars: ‘We know the answers’ to support women in STEM - The United Nations Office at Geneva
- Gender diversity in R&D teams and innovation efficiency: Role of the innovation context - ScienceDirect
- Gender-diverse teams produce more novel and higher-impact scientific ideas - PNAS
- Global Gender Gap Report 2025 - World Economic Forum
- The State of Women in Leadership, Global Employment Trends - LinkedIn Economic Graph
- Latest Women In STEM Statistics For 2025 - Women in STEM network
- Women @ Work 2025: A Global Outlook - Deloitte Global
ABB is a global company committed to upholding our core values and our Code of Conduct everywhere where we operate. We strive to foster an inclusive culture while adhering to all applicable laws. Any statements, goals, policies, or practices outlined in this ABB global website only apply where legally permitted and to the extent that it does not conflict with any applicable local laws. In the event of a conflict, the relevant ABB entity will prioritize compliance with local laws over the policy.