Celebrating women in STEM: talent, skills and life-long growth

Web Story

4min

2025-02-11

Advancing innovation and building a more sustainable future requires a diversity of thought and experience. Learn more about the critical contributions of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through personal stories from female engineers and leaders at ABB who are shaping the future of technology and industry.

Driving innovation through diversity

Tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges—from advancing healthcare to combating climate change—requires harnessing the full spectrum of diverse talent. Achieving a net-zero future demands fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovation, all of which thrive in unique research environments. This makes it crucial to empower more women in STEM fields. However, gender disparities persist: women receive smaller research grants than their male colleagues and make up only 33.3% of researchers worldwide. Furthermore, just 12% of national science academy members are women, and in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, only 22% of professionals are female.1

 

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science | United Nations is a reminder of the critical role women and girls play in shaping scientific and technological progress. At our research center in Dättwil, Switzerland, women scientists are making remarkable contributions—watch this video to learn more:

Women in Science at ABB Corporate Research

Curious about how a career at the ABB Corporate Research Center looks? Take a peek here!

A Conversation That Sparks Innovation: Women & Girls in Science

Watch a live discussion where ABB’s women in STEM and young girls came together to explore career journeys and inspire future innovators in science, engineering, and technology.

Across the globe: showcasing role-models and building lifelong skills

We are dedicated to fostering the next generation of women in STEM by showcasing real-life role models and implementing programs that build lifelong competence. Our skill-building initiatives, ranging from robotics education to FIA Girls on Track, leverage technology, sustainability, and innovation to inspire young women worldwide.

Some recent examples include our Speed Mentoring Event with North Carolina Coastal Pines Girl Scouts at Meredith College in (Raleigh, NC), a kickoff event for our Girls in STEM in China the Sustainable Talent Program in Italy and others.

Speed Mentoring Event with North Carolina Coastal Pines Girl Scouts at Meredith College

Speed Mentoring Event ABB Italy Sustainable Talent Program Recent participants of the ABB Italy Sustainable Talent Program

Speed Mentoring Event ABB Italy Sustainable Talent Program GIS initiative Students and teachers from Beijing University of Technology (BJUT) and the High School Affiliated to Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) participated in a GIS initiative.

Global Partnerships for Women in STEM:

  • ABB and FEMTEC (Germany): A decade-long partnership connecting female STEM students with industry leaders to support STEM careers development.

  • ABB and Society of Women Engineers (SWE): As part of SWE’s global Corporate Partnership Council, we annually sponsor over 120 employees, supporting SWE’s mission of achieving gender parity. Our commitment has earned us:
    🏆 the Mission Silver Award
    🏆 the Employer Champion Award 2024

  • ABB and Women in Tech Finland: Since 2015, ABB Finland has collaborated with Women in Tech to promote diversity and inclusion in the technology sector.

Redefining success beyond gender norms

Role models are essential in helping women and girls visualize themselves in STEM careers. That’s why we are proud to highlight Angeles Fernandez, Local Division Manager at ELSE, who is redefining success beyond gender norms. In Universum’s Against the Current podcast, she discusses cultural differences, instinct, and the power of representation in male-dominated fields. Her story serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to break barriers in STEM.

Listen to the Podcast Episode and follow for more!

Looking Ahead

Empowering women in STEM is about ensuring the best ideas and solutions come to the forefront. By fostering an inclusive environment, promoting role models, and supporting initiatives that build lifelong skills, we can continue shaping a future where women in science and technology thrive.

Footnotes:

1. United Nations: International Day of Women and Girls in Science | United Nations

 

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.

Write the next chapter of your career

How do we help our people write their story at ABB? We provide them opportunities to engineer a meaningful career through embracing differences, cutting-edge solutions, and a sustainability outlook.

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