Women and Electrical Engineering: A Typically Male Field Offers Opportunities in Chip Development to Everyone, Regardless of Gender

Technical fields are not just for men. Brno University of Technology is opening its doors to young women who want to participate in the development of cutting-edge chips and semiconductors – key technologies of the future. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication (FEEC BUT) offers female students the opportunity to thrive in a promising field – in a supportive environment, with guidance during their studies, and with inspiring female role models. Nevertheless, technical fields still struggle with a lack of women, who are a valuable asset in scientific teams.

In April 2025, the Czech Semiconductor Center opened, coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Jana Drbohlavová, Ph.D. Her position proves that there is definitely a place for women in electrical engineering. Still, there is little interest from women in this field. “Often, it’s the fear of demanding technical subjects that holds female students back. Girls tend to doubt themselves – it was a challenge for me too at the time. But these subjects are not insurmountable; many classmates and teachers are very supportive,” says Drbohlavová, sharing her experience. Her words are echoed by Assoc. Prof. Jiří Háze, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Microelectronics at FEEC BUT: “Our statistics show that the vast majority of our female students complete their technical studies – many with honors.” This proves that electrical engineering is suitable for women and they can truly excel in it.

A place for women in microelectronics? Absolutely

Women are a welcome group in semiconductor research and industry. “Personally, I believe that precision – a quality often attributed to women – is crucial when working with semiconductors or designing chips. However, the key remains solid knowledge, regardless of gender,” says Assoc. Prof. Háze. Currently, the Czech Republic lacks 3,000 semiconductor experts, and it is essential to increase the number of students in related technical disciplines, whether men or women.

According to Assoc. Prof. Háze, female representation in technical fields is important not only for gender equality but also in practice. “Women and men complement each other in technical research. In many cases, we reach solutions faster together than if only men were involved. The female perspective on problems and solutions is undoubtedly valuable,” he says. Still, women make up only 12% of students in technical programs at BUT. And for two new degree programs launching in the 2025/2026 academic year – focused on semiconductor and chip design and production – only 2.59% of applicants were female.

Inspiration from surroundings often leads girls to study technology

Experts at BUT highlight several factors that boost girls’ interest in technical studies – including engaging math and physics lessons in high school or role models in the family. For Jana Drbohlavová, it was her mother, an electrician, who supported her love for chemistry. For doctoral student Veronika Junasová, MSc from FEEC BUT, it was her uncle who repaired small electronics. In addition to her research, she also participates in awareness activities for girls as part of the Chips of Europe project, such as this year’s popular science event togetHER in tech at BUT. “We need to raise awareness across all age groups and show girls that you can enter technical studies even from general secondary schools. Math and physics are not scary subjects meant only for those with logical thinking. Personally, I know that logic can be developed – even if you think you don’t have it,” Junasová adds.

Microelectronics offers room for growth and work-life balance

Modern microelectronics offers excellent career prospects and financial rewards, as well as a wide variety of specializations – from chip manufacturing technology to research and practical applications. Chip and semiconductor specialists are sought by large corporations and smaller companies focusing on hardware and firmware design. Students can start working in the field during their studies. “There’s no problem finding a job in the field right after earning a bachelor’s degree, and many gain valuable experience during their master’s studies,” says Veronika Junasová about her own journey.

A career in electrical engineering is also compatible with parenting. It’s possible to successfully combine a scientific career with motherhood. Contributing factors include part-time positions, supportive colleagues, or university childcare – BUT employees can use the Edisonka mini-nursery, which accepts children from under one year of age.

Representation of women in technical fields is improving, but not yet ideal

Microelectronics focused on semiconductors and chips is not the only technical field facing a lack of women. The imbalance is also evident in nuclear physics and engineering, electron optics, cybernetics and robotics, or information technology. The Czech non-profit organization Czechitas specifically addresses the gender gap in the latter.

“In the 10 years Czechitas has existed, the share of women in ICT has increased. Today, women make up 12% of the workforce and 17% of students in ICT programs – up from less than 10% previously. It might not seem like a huge leap, but in terms of data trends, it's a step in the right direction – especially considering the systemic barriers women face,” says Monika Ptáčníková, co-founder of Czechitas. The organization helps organize retraining courses, mentoring programs to support female talent, and promotes the formation of mixed-gender teams in IT. Its representatives also actively engage with the Czech government to advocate for systemic change. “Today, most of our partners understand that women bring real value – team resilience, collaboration, higher performance and innovation, as well as social and economic benefits,” says Ptáčníková.

The text was published as a press release.

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Published	2025-07-08
Link	https://www.vut.cz/en/but/f19528/d295987