Through new initiatives such as the “Women in Standardization” project and dedicated networking events, the Norwegian Electrotechnical Committee (NEK) is creating arenas where women in electrical and communications standardization can connect, share experiences, and strengthen their role in the industry.
The electrical and electronic communications industry remains clearly male-dominated. This is also reflected in standardization work. Today, women make up only 8% of the members in NEK’s committees, although the proportion is gradually increasing. Behind these figures lies an important realization. Many of the women involved in standardization experience being quite alone in their professional environments.
This is something the NEK wants to address.
From Film Project to Meeting Place
In spring 2025, NEK launched the project “Women in Standardization,” where female committee members were highlighted through interviews, films, and articles. The goal was to showcase role models and raise awareness of the important work taking place within the committees.
Through this project, one thing became clear. Many of the women were not familiar with each other across committees. Several expressed that they lacked a network and a platform for sharing experiences. This became the starting point for the idea of a dedicated women’s gathering.
A Cross-Disciplinary Community
On March 5, 2026, NEK hosted a women’s gathering at its offices in Oslo. The event brought together both existing committee members and new participants interested in standardization.
The purpose was twofold. To strengthen the network among female committee members and to lower the threshold for joining standardization work.
Participants gained professional insights and inspiration through presentations by prominent women in the industry, while also being given space for informal conversations and experience sharing.
For many, the value of the gathering was also reflected in the personal impact it created:
“I had a wonderful and engaging evening at the women’s gathering. I went home with new inspiration and motivation,” says Alise Johannessen Hjellbrekke, a committee member in NEK.
An important aspect of the concept was that participants could bring a colleague or friend. This helped open the door to new voices and made entry into the standardization community more accessible.
Small Steps, Clear Direction
The development is moving in the right direction. Over the past year, the number of female committee members has increased by 15%. Nevertheless, there is still significant potential for improving gender balance.
Initiatives such as the women’s gathering are one of several measures aimed at contributing to this goal. Equally important as recruitment is fostering a sense of belonging and motivation to remain engaged in the work.
Standardization Needs More Perspectives
Standards set the framework for technological development, safety, and societal progress. To ensure robust and relevant solutions, it is crucial that this work reflects the diversity of society.
By bringing women together across disciplines, highlighting role models, and inviting new participants into the community, NEK aims to contribute to a more inclusive and representative standardization process.
The women’s gathering is one concrete step along the way.
You can find several videos from the interviews with female committee members on NEK's YouTube-channel and a short video made at a networking session.
