MDS Celebrates International Women's Day

MDS Celebrates International Women's Day with Young Female Outreach Initiative

MDS, a leading heavy-duty equipment manufacturer, took a proactive step towards inspiring inclusion this International Women's Day by reaching out to the local LGFA club, Magheracloone Mitchells. The aim was clear: to engage young girls in discussions about career opportunities in engineering and to identify and address any barriers they may perceive.

Under the theme "Inspiring Inclusion," we welcomed 10 smart and curious girls from Magheracloone Mitchells into our offices on Wednesday, February 21st. Dressed in their team gear, these young ladies embarked on an enlightening journey, participating in interviews aimed at uncovering their perceptions of engineering careers and the challenges they might envision.

The questions posed to these budding engineers-to-be were thought-provoking:

• What do you think engineers do?
• Do you know any Engineers?
• What skills do engineers require?
• Do you think women can be engineers?
• Have you thought about being an engineer?

Their candid responses captured on video revealed not only their understanding of engineering but also their aspirations and doubts. One remark stood out: "If men can, so can women," highlighting the importance of breaking gender stereotypes in the field of engineering.

As a token of our appreciation for their participation, the girls were invited back on March 8th to witness their video in full. They also had the opportunity to try their hand at virtual welding and embark on a guided tour of the MDS facility.

"We believe in nurturing the next generation of engineers, regardless of gender," said [Kate Blake], [HR Manager] at MDS. "By engaging with these young girls, we hope to inspire them to pursue their dreams and show them that engineering is a field open to all."

This initiative reflects MDS's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the engineering industry. By actively engaging with young females and addressing their concerns, we aim to pave the way for a more equitable and diverse future workforce.