In celebration of International Women's Day, we want to highlight and honor the strong, talented, and inspiring women who are part of Protan.
This day serves as an important reminder of the progress made towards gender equality, while also acknowledging that there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality between genders.
At Protan, we take pride in our diverse workforce and recognize the need to work strategically and systematically to increase the representation of women in certain areas of our business.
Today, we celebrate the amazing women working at Protan. We have asked some of them to share what International Women's Day means to them.
Melanie has worked in the Construction industry for 26 years in various roles. She is now responsible for Protan`s sales organization in Western Europe.
– The Construction Industry needs more women in order to balance the dynamics within many businesses. International Women`s day is important to many women like myself who over the years have worked hard to be respected within businesses especially those that are very male oriented.
– Regardless of gender, I believe you need to earn respect and trust. You have to be confident to learn your industry and skills and know that you are equal to anyone else. You have to work hard and have the resilience to cope with any challenges that may lie ahead.
Dorota has worked for many years in plastic processing with procurement and planning.
– International Women's Day is important for women to celebrate because it recognizes their achievements, raises awareness about ongoing gender inequalities, and inspires collective action for a more inclusive world.
– The woman who inspires me the most is my mom. She taught me that you have to fight for your dreams and that anything is achievable if you truly want it. She has always been a professionally active woman, eager to learn new things, professionally and personally. I hope that when I reach her age, I will have as much energy to enjoy life and explore the world.
Maria started working for Protan as a laboratory specialist and now she is responsible for quality, certifications and cooperation with the R&D department.
– Many women play multiple roles simultaneously, professionally and privately. Until now, work has been my main challenge, but I am now preparing for the role as a mother. Over the years, increased focus on women's rights has normalized motherhood as part of life, not a career obstacle. Employers today understand this and support career development upon return. This is why celebrating International Women's Day is important. In Poland, we also celebrate Men's Day to maintain balance.
– When it comes to working in the production industry, you definitely need to find your place in it. Don’t let stereotypes hold you back and believe in your abilities!
Principal Engineer and Lab Manager R&D, Norway
Hege has worked for Protan for 30 years in various positions. She also holds the position as chairwoman of TPF (Takprodusentenes Forskningsgruppe).
– Over the years, I have faced challenges in the workplace that I likely would have avoided if I were a man. As a young, newly married, and freshly graduated woman, I was not seen as an attractive candidate for employment, and I did not secure a permanent position until after I had two children. Although much has changed today, it is still important to observe International Women's Day.
– We still have a long way to go in increasing the representation of women in leadership, especially in our industry. International Women's Day also serves as a reminder of the need to continue working towards a more inclusive work environment.
Roofer, Norway
Annika was introduced to the roofing profession through her husband. She has been working as a roofer for three years.
– It might seem like a challenging profession for a woman, but I believe that's a misconception. Yes, the work can be physically demanding, but there are various ways to contribute to the team. There are always tasks to be done, and there's no reason to feel excluded.
I think you just have to try it and see for yourself!
To others, I would say:
Be supportive and don't hold prejudices against women working on construction sites.
Selma holds a degree in polymer engineering and is currently part of the Sales and Marketing team.
– Women continue to face challenges in the business world, including discrimination, difficulties balancing work and family life, and a lack of supportive networks. Celebrating International Women's Day is crucial for raising awareness about these inequalities and challenges, and for empowering women to address and overcome them. This special day is an opportunity for women to celebrate their past achievements and plan for their future.
– Sabiha Gökçen is one of the women who inspire me. She was a Turkish pioneer who made history as the world's first female fighter pilot. Her success in a male-dominated field at the time demonstrated that women could achieve great things and underscored the importance of fighting for gender equality.
– Celebrating International Women's Day is crucial for supporting the fight for gender equality, defending women's rights, and recognizing their contributions to society.
Women serve as a bridge between family and society and contribute greatly to the functioning of the social system. Empowering women is deeply connected to respecting human rights.
– Gender balance in the workplace has a profoundly positive impact on productivity and innovation, as it brings diverse perspectives.
This equality fosters a stronger team spirit. As a woman working at Protan, I feel greatly supported through mentoring and career development processes.
