International Women in Engineering Day is a moment to recognise the achievements, innovation, and impact of women across our industry. At ECI Group, we’re proud to celebrate the talented women shaping the future of engineering—leading projects, driving sustainable solutions, and breaking down barriers.
To mark the occasion, we spoke with several of our colleagues about their careers, proudest achievements, and what more can be done to encourage women into engineering.
If you have interest and passion for design, if you are curious about how machines work, how automation happens, please do join engineering.
Anu Sachdeva
Principal C&I Engineer
Q: What project or achievement are you most proud of, and why?
Anu: I was trusted to lead a project with many senior people in my team, early in my career which was a defining milestone. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, sharpened my technical skills, and built deep confidence in me.
Q: What skills have been most important to your success?
Anu: Technical knowledge is a vital aspect for success; however, I believe, resilience plays a great role as well. I am always open to new challenges and all kinds of projects; ready to improve my knowledge base.
Q: How do you feel the engineering industry is changing for women—and where is there still room for improvement?
Anu: Engineering industry is becoming more and more open for women now. But there is still a mindset that engineering is not a women’s field. Industry needs to provide more opportunities to women on sites, in fields and break these barriers. It’s time to bridge the gap between classroom representation and on-site reality.
Q: What advice would you give to young women or girls considering a career in engineering?
Anu: If you have interest and passion for design, if you are curious about how machines work, how automation happens, please do join engineering. The career paths are vast, so choose the branch that aligns with your passions and build your own future.
Tani Legleu
Project Manager
Q: What first sparked your interest in engineering, and what led you to pursue it as a career?
Tani: I think it’s genetic. My father was a chemical engineer who eventually became a plant manager and a project manager, and three of my uncles worked in engineering and plant operation. I remember being fascinated by the stick model of a plant my dad built when I was a little kid.
Q: What skills have been most important to your success?
Tani: Being a project engineer requires the ability to look at the big picture as well as understanding the details and organization required to execute the work as a team. This is something I’ve been consistently told I do well.
Q: How do you feel the engineering industry is changing for women—and where is there still room for improvement?
Tani: I spent most of my early career having to prove myself, between being a woman and having a non-traditional engineering degree. For a long time, I felt like I hadn’t been utilized to my full potential, until I was trusted to run a project for the first time as the Project Manager and got a great performance review. Thankfully there is more acceptance of women in engineering roles now than when I was a young graduate.
Q: What advice would you give to young women or girls considering a career in engineering?
Tani: Engineering can be a very satisfying career if you like to problem solve. Take as many maths, physics, and chemistry courses as you can in high-school or during your degree.
Thankfully there is more acceptance of women in engineering roles now than when I was a young graduate.
I’ve always been drawn to solving problems and understanding how things work but what kept me in engineering was the ability to create solutions that make a real impact.
Shalini Malhotra
Director, Sustainability and Recycling
Q: What first sparked your interest in engineering, and what led you to pursue it as a career?
Shalini: I’ve always been drawn to solving problems and understanding how things work but what kept me in engineering was the ability to create solutions that make a real impact. I have been fortunate to work across a variety of industries ranging from petrochemical, nuclear and renewables solving genuine problems and learning new skills. For me, engineering is where curiosity meets purpose and where ideas turn into impact.
Q: What skills have been most important to your success?
Shalini: Translating complex technical ideas into clear, strategic direction has been critical. Equally important are collaboration and communication that align diverse teams to deliver results.
Q: How do you feel the engineering industry is changing for women—and where is there still room for improvement?
Shalini: There has been clear progress, with more women entering the field and taking on leadership roles. However, there is still work to do to improve representation at senior levels and ensure inclusive environments where different perspectives are actively valued and supported.
Q: What advice would you give to young women or girls considering a career in engineering?
Shalini: Stay curious and keep an open mind as engineering offers a wide range of opportunities beyond traditional roles. Don’t wait until you feel fully ready to take on challenges; confidence builds with experience. Most importantly, believe that your perspective can add real value.