#IWD: Amanda Cook

Linda Barclay Isles

Friday 8 March 2024

International Women’s Day 2024 – #InspireInclusion 

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to champion the power of women’s voices and drive positive change.
 
We spoke to women across the the University who all have one thing in common – an unwavering pursuit of equality. We asked them why they thought it was important to mark IWD, who inspires them and what they love about being a woman.

Amanda Cook, Building Management System (BMS) Manager, Estates. 

Why do you think it is important to mark International Women’s Day?  

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women all over the world whilst also highlighting the challenges and barriers women face. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for change and to hopefully inspire future generations of women to pursue their aspirations without limitations. As a female engineer in a male-dominated industry, I believe it’s crucial to mark IWD as it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for gender equality.

Is there a woman who has inspired you personally or professionally?  

Growing up, I didn’t have anyone to directly inspire me in the field of engineering because I wasn’t exposed to many successful women in that industry, and I believe this is part of the broader issue — although it is improving, I don’t think we don’t celebrate women in engineering enough. I’ve drawn inspiration from women who have broken barriers in other fields. Icons like Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, and Katherine Johnson have paved the way for women in STEM through their determination and brilliance.

I also find inspiration in the women around me, including my colleagues and mentors at the University. While they may not be working in engineering, they exemplify strength, leadership, and dedication in their respective fields demonstrating that women can excel in any domain when given the opportunity.

What is one thing that you would like to see done to help further equality for women?  

I think the University has done excellent work so far to help equality for women and I would like to see this extended further. This could include more mentorship program placements, addressing unconscious bias in recruitment and promotion processes and encouraging a culture of respect and inclusivity.

As a mother of one with another on the way, I understand firsthand the importance of supportive policies that enable women to balance their professional and personal responsibilities without feeling penalised. I would like to see measures put in place that ensures that being off work on maternity leave won’t have a detrimental effect on a woman’s career progression.

This could include opportunities for flexible work arrangements, extended parental leave policies and a supportive return-to-work environment. I believe that motherhood should be celebrated rather than seen as a hindrance to woman’s’ professional success. 

What did you want to be when you were young?   

At school, I had a deep fascination with the subject of Physics. I was captivated by the laws of nature and the principles that govern our universe. As I grew older, I realised that engineering was essentially the application of physics to solve real-life problems. I knew that pursuing a career in engineering would allow me to combine my passion for physics with my desire to make a difference in the world.

However, despite having this aspiration, I didn’t want to go to University so when I came across upon a job advert for an apprenticeship in electrical engineering, an opportunity to both learn and earn a wage, I knew that was the ideal pathway for me to start my engineering career.   

What you love about being a woman?  

As a woman, I admire the strength and resilience that we possess. Despite facing numerous obstacles and societal expectations, women continually demonstrate their ability to overcome adversity and achieve great things. I also appreciate the diverse perspectives and invaluable contributions that women offer in all aspects of life, whether it’s within the workplace, at home or in our communities.