Repository: UIHistories Project: SWE - Proceedings of the First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists [PAGE 20]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF WOMEN ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS FOCUS FOR THE FUTURE Conference Keynote and Foreword by Dr. Lillian M. Gilbreth Management Consultant and President Gilbreth Inc., Upper Montclair, New Jersey In selecting this theme for the First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists, the Society of Women Engineers has concentrated its attention on a service project. We have come together to focus our attention on the future needs of the world. We shall try, through pooling our diverse experiences, to estimate what these needs will be and then to consider ways in which we can best contribute to these needs. It is no new thing for this group to approach a project in this analytical fashion. In the beginning, before SWE was organized, the need for such a society was carefully weighed and its membership requirements clearly defined. The Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Society are evidence of its standards. As a Technical Society, we accept the Code of Ethics and Canons of Ethics of the engineering profession. In a Conference such as this, we have representatives from many Countries. We shall be able to compare and evaluate our experiences, and to help one another focus on our aims for the future. What is the engineer expected to do? To "utilize the resources of nature and of human nature for the benefit of mankind." We must both know the resources and put them to use. Known resources are reserved sources of supply, to be used when needed. A benefit is something that provides well being. Every engineer is expected to follow this code. This implies knowledge, dedication, and life long learning. The engineer has obligations toward mankind, as have all professional men' and women. He has obligations to further the growth of his profession; to accept, maintain and, if possible, raise Its standards; to recruit for its organizations; to help educate and train its members, both before and after they join its organizations. The profession has world-wide membership. Every engineer must recognize this and the responsibilities it brings to every engineering organization, and to every member. Why women engineers? And why a Society of Women Engineers? Because the profession needs women, and because they need the opportunities for work that the profession affords. Because people with a common interest need the feeling of group solidarity that an organization gives. Because young women need knowledge of the opportunities in science and engineering, and help in being tested, educated and trained providing they have interest and the necessary aptitudes. Because many women, young and old, need the opportunities the profession gives.

1-7