Introduction to special issue on women in civil engineering

In 1929, civil engineer Elsie Eaves, the first female full member, senior member, and honorary member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, wrote a chapter on civil engineering for a book titled An Outline of Careers for Women: A Practical Guide to Achievement. In it she asserted, “There is no sex to engineering, but there are customs, habits, and organizations of long standing which are an initial handicap to women and require more than average ability if she is to succeed in overcoming these barriers.” (Eaves 1929)