International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is an opportunity to celebrate the women transforming our industry, challenge outdated perceptions and inspire the next generation to pursue careers that make a real difference.
At UKOPA, we recognise the talented women working across the pipeline industry and the vital role they play in keeping the UK’s infrastructure safe, resilient and ready for the future.
This year, we’re proud to spotlight Harveen Kaur Matharu, Pipeline Engineer (Inspection and Corrosion) at Cadent, whose outstanding contribution to the profession was recently recognised with the IGEM Gas Industry Awards 2026 – Early Career Achievement Award.
Harveen’s story demonstrates the breadth of opportunities modern engineering offers. Combining technical expertise, digital innovation, collaboration and leadership, she exemplifies the skills that will shape the future of our industry and inspire the next generation of engineers.
As a Pipeline Engineer specialising in Corrosion Management and Inspection, Harveen manages the policies and processes involved in preventing and investigating corrosion on buried pipelines. Her work ranges from monitoring cathodic protection systems and analysing performance data to identifying issues and implementing solutions that protect critical infrastructure.
“A big part of my role is making sure our pipeline networks stay compliant with industry standards and legislation,” says Harveen. “That includes reporting to the Health and Safety Executive, working in line with industry standards, UKOPA guidance, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to keep our infrastructure safe, reliable and legally sound.”
Alongside her technical responsibilities, Harveen is also helping to drive digital transformation as an AI Champion within Cadent.
“I’m always looking for ways we can use AI to make our work more efficient, whether that’s automating parts of our reporting, spotting trends in cathodic protection performance, or finding smarter ways to manage projects. It’s about using the tools we have to work better, not just harder as engineers.”
Her work reflects how engineering careers are evolving, bringing together traditional engineering disciplines with data, artificial intelligence and innovation to solve increasingly complex challenges.
Perhaps most importantly, Harveen’s story highlights why visibility matters.
“It was my Design and Technology teacher who first suggested I look into studying materials engineering. I’d never really considered engineering before, especially at my all-girls school where it wasn’t a big focus. I remember Googling ‘can girls become engineers?’ and reading blogs about women in the field just to see what was possible. I’m glad that’s hopefully no longer a question people feel they have to ask.”
Today, Harveen is helping to become the role model she once searched for herself.
Her involvement extends beyond her day-to-day role. She actively supports industry collaboration through her UKOPA membership and is involved with the Corrosion Prevention Working Group which shares guidance, discusses industry developments and opportunities across the sector.
When asked whether she would recommend engineering to young women today, her answer is unequivocal. “Absolutely. Engineering is such a broad and exciting field, there’s space for all kinds of interests. It’s a career where you can keep learning, make a difference and be part of something bigger.”
She believes visibility remains one of the biggest opportunities for encouraging more women into the profession.
“I think visibility is really important, showing that engineering is a space for everyone. The more we highlight the variety of roles and the people doing them, the more relatable and accessible the field becomes.”
At UKOPA, we share that ambition. International Women in Engineering Day is not only about celebrating the achievements of women already working in our industry, but also about inspiring future generations to see engineering as a career where they can thrive.
By showcasing stories like Harveen’s, we hope to demonstrate that engineering offers far more than a single career path. It is a profession built on curiosity, innovation, collaboration and the opportunity to make a tangible difference to society every day.
We congratulate Harveen on her well-deserved IGEM Early Career Achievement Award and thank her for the work she is doing to protect our pipeline infrastructure, champion innovation and inspire future engineers.
Because when young women can see people like themselves succeeding in engineering, they are far more likely to believe that they can too.