The inaugural 2021 Advancing Women in Engineering & Construction symposium is an initiative from the NZ Society of Earthquake Engineering to support the development and retention of women in the engineering sector and associated parts of the construction industry. Alongside civil and structural engineers in particular, the event is also intended to be open to architects, regulatory officials, project managers and others from technical professions related to engineering & construction.

The full-day schedule is focused around encouraging networking and collaboration throughout, with afternoon workshops intended to lead into the development of research topics and improvement initiatives that can prompt further action to improve the position and support for women throughout the engineering & construction sectors.