On this International Women’s Day, what is still seen is the need for governments and companies to act together for an egalitarian society between the genders. Only 12 (6.3%) countries in the world have equal conditions for men and women in all areas of work, according to the World Bank’s recently released Women, Business and Rights 2022 report. But, in the meantime, many women have been successfully performing functions previously regarded as male in the labour market. In logistics, for example, a sector previously dominated by men, they are occupying more and more spaces and proving their value.
Here at Norsul, women occupy prominent positions in the gear that is essential to the success of operations. Viviane Melo, Adrielle Marques and Tânia Pena work in different positions within the company: Personnel Logistics, Solution Design and Machines, respectively.
They say that, throughout their career, they have already observed a positive evolution for women in the sector. However, they recognize that the path is still long to achieve gender equality. For them, International Women’s Day marks the struggle for equal rights. It is, above all, an opportunity to reflect on the place that women occupy today, beyond what has already been and will still be conquered.
Adrielle Marques – Solution Design
Adrielle works with a focus on projects at Norsul, and seeks to understand the customer’s need to transform it into a logistics solution that meets the modalities offered by the company. Mechanical Engineer of training, she remembers to this day the reception she had from the teacher in the first class of Calculus in college. “I was the only girl in the room, he saw me and asked ‘Aren’t you on the wrong course? This isn’t cutting and sewing, it’s engineering and you’ll never be an engineer’. It marked me and I never forgot. ”
She says that in everyday life, especially in the most technical sectors, there is a discomfort on the part of some men in talking to women. Often, she feels that women need to prove themselves more.
“In my trajectory, I have heard some things in this sense. I already had to take a man with me on a technical visit, for example, to give me support, as if he needed to confirm that there was meaning in what I said. Situations like this end up happening. But in general, I feel that people are opening their eyes more to the importance of diversity and the contribution that women bring to these media that are so masculine, ”observes Adrielle.
Viviane Melo – Personnel Logistics
Coordinating the boarding and disembarking of Norsul’s crew, in addition to being responsible for safety training, Viviane has been with the company for eight years. For a long time her function was occupied only by men. Today, it identifies progress. “Until very recently, it was common to work in this area women with a male profile, who fit the environment easier and showed no fragility. Now I see that this has changed and the number of women with different profiles in the sector has grown, “she says.
Viviane points out that women have been growing in the labor market. “Each has their own role, and women can perform their activities just as well as men. Unfortunately, sexism is still present. “I have seen situations where the woman dressed sportily at work and was charged to be more feminine for the position she occupied in the company. This bothers me because professionalism is not in the clothes you wear, but in the daily posture and in what you build. The woman can be any way she wants, with or without lipstick, with or without makeup, if she feels like a woman, then she is a woman “, he reinforces.
Tânia Pena – Machines
Merchant ship engineer officer, Tania works with whole ship equipment maintenance. From the main engine, which navigates the seas and rivers, to a simple water pump to brush your teeth on the vessel. “We are the heart of the ship. It is a relatively new career for women, there are still some comments and sexist attitudes. But we can prove that our work is quality and try to change these thoughts a little. I believe that it is possible to improve, “she says.
Patriarchal society is still everyone’s challenge on this International Women’s Day
Experiences are different in everyday tasks, but machismo is still an obstacle to be transformed in the search for equality between the genders – and it is both in men and women as well. “I think we are all sexist, we live in a patriarchal society and each one is at a level of deconstruction. The challenge is precisely to understand the gaps we have to be able to work on this, “says Adrielle.
The first step in taking care of the problem is to recognize that we have a problem, and many people still don’t see it today.
“It is necessary to recognize the importance of the theme for the benefit of all. A closer look at the selection processes, keeping in mind the company’s staff to foster diversity is essential. HR professionals, managers and directors of corporations have great responsibility and should study the topic to practice commitment to a more diverse work environment. ” Aline Carvalho, Executive Manager of People, Management and IT at Norsul.
Despite this, women are inserted in activities and sectors that they have not imagined occupying for a very short time, which is positive – not only for women, but for the companies themselves.
Diversity is positive for the labor market and employees
A McKinsey Company study on the state of corporate diversity in Latin America points out that an organization’s success is related to its commitment to diversity. When employees perceive that the institution in which they work has such a commitment, the research says that the company’s probability of reaping good results is greater.
Equipe diversa faz bem para empresas e colaboradores.
Those professionals who work in companies that really cultivate diversity are also happier, more creative and more proactive according to the study.
“As a woman, working in a male area, especially with demand for manual labor, I believe that she is being an example for other women who want to work in the area. If I can do it, they can too, ”Tânia points out. Adrielle reinforces that there are many women making their way in these areas, and they are an inspiration not only for those who are already in the job market, but also for those who are graduating. “ I think it’s always good to have one reference and one pull the other,” says Adrielle.
For those who are starting their careers, Viviane, Adrielle and Tânia advise to believe in their own strength, not lose their essence and cultivate patience. “We don’t need to masculinize ourselves to be in a male environment. We have our characteristics and we really bring a new look to the business, it just adds up. Whoever you are, do not let yourselves be shaped by the environment ”, concludes Adrielle.
See more International Women’s Day content
We have prepared a video to celebrate International Women’s Day on our social networks. Also take the opportunity to learn more about the women of the sea in Norsul, our last article of the date.
