Women Shaping the Future of Refrigeration – IIR International Women’s Day 2026

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) highlighted the voices, experiences, and perspectives of women and allies working across the refrigeration, air conditioning, and cooling sector. 

 

Throughout the week, we invited our community, corporate members, private members, and the IIR team to share insights on the importance of diversity and the role women play in shaping the future of sustainable cooling. 

 

Voices from the Community: Advice and Perspectives 

As part of the campaign, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) invited both its corporate and private members to share their perspectives with the community. Corporate members offered advice to young women beginning their careers in the cooling sector, highlighting the importance of building confidence in technical expertise, seeking mentorship, and embracing new challenges. Their messages emphasised persistence, curiosity, and the value of supportive professional networks. 

 

At the same time, private members reflected on why diversity in science and engineering is essential for the future of cooling technologies. Their contributions underscored how diverse perspectives and inclusive research environments foster creativity, accelerate problem-solving, and support the development of more sustainable refrigeration solutions. 

 

Read and join the conversations here and here. 

 

Voices from the IIR Team 

The IIR team also reflected on the question: Why are women important in shaping the future of refrigeration? 

 

Their responses emphasised that diversity strengthens innovation, broadens perspectives in research and engineering, and helps ensure that the cooling sector develops solutions that benefit communities worldwide. 

 

         

 

See the team’s perspectives here.

 

Supporting Women in the Refrigeration Sector 

Encouraging and supporting women in technical fields is essential to building a stronger, more innovative HVACR sector. The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) promotes this objective through its Careers in Refrigeration Working Group (CaRe), which brings together experts committed to advancing professional opportunities, inclusion, and diversity within the global refrigeration community. 

 

The working group provides a platform for collaboration and discussion on education, career pathways, and initiatives that help attract and support women entering the field. Anyone engaged in these topics is welcome to become involved in the IIR community, with working group members drawn from STC members, private members, and representatives of IIR corporate members. 

 

To further explore the role of women in the sector, the IIR also highlights the publication “Women in Cooling: A Worldwide Survey”. This report provides valuable insights into the experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by women working across refrigeration and cooling industries worldwide. 

 

International Women’s Day is not only a moment to celebrate achievements, but also an opportunity to continue advancing a more inclusive and diverse cooling sector. Through initiatives such as the Careers in Refrigeration Working Group and the engagement of its global community, the IIR remains committed to supporting the next generation of professionals and strengthening diversity across the refrigeration field. 

 

📩 For more information about participating in the IIR community or joining relevant initiatives, please contact: info@iifiir.org