This year's International Women's Day UN campaign themes - Invest in Women and Inspire Inclusion - call for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Some of the topics discussed include:
- forging women’s economic empowerment;
- recruiting, retaining, and developing female talent;
- supporting women and girls in leadership, decision-making, business, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics);
- providing women and girls with access to quality education and training.
To celebrate this day, we have invited Nefab employees across our sites to discuss investment and inclusion for women in the packaging and logistics industry. Here are their inspiring stories and insights!
![<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">MARIA SKÖLD</span></strong> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">Group IT Operations Manager, Nefab Sweden</span> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">Joined Nefab in 2022</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Maria thinks it is essential to begin with education. "Really, from the start, make sure girls get the same equal opportunities as boys to get an education", she says. She also highlights the importance of gender balance and the work environment within male-dominated industries: "It's about keeping it on the agenda and making it part of the business culture. Investing in women and fostering inclusion can also mean taking immediate action to address sexism at work".</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">She identifies many positives at Nefab: "When I look at Nefab’s organization I find women in all different kinds of positions which is a fine indicator for me Nefab is investing in women and working for equal opportunities."</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>](/globalassets/nefab.com--group-site/new-site/news--insights/iwd-2024/iwd2024---images.png)
![<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">MARY FANG</span></strong> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">Sales Manager, Nefab China</span> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">Joined Nefab in 2007</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Mary thinks companies need to hire more women for better gender diversity in the workplace. She says: "Investing in women can support building more resilient economies and more equitable societies. It benefits not only the women themselves but also their families and communities".</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">From her perspective, Nefab provides female employees with equal opportunities: "I joined Nefab as a sales assistant, then I grew up to be a sales manager. I am appreciated to get sufficient training and fully empowered by Nefab."</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>](/globalassets/nefab.com--group-site/new-site/news--insights/iwd-2024/mary.png)
![<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">ESZTER VÉR</span></strong><br /><span data-contrast="auto">Packaging Engineer, Nefab Netherlands</span> <br /><span data-contrast="auto">Joined Nefab in 2020</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For Eszter, investing in women should mean the same as investing in men. "It would be nice to experience investing in people everywhere - also regardless of gender", she says. She also draws attention to how motherhood should be seen as a strength in workplaces. For example, how being a parent can make a person stronger, more assertive, as well as a warmer and more caring employee and leader. Additionally, she says: "Employers should create safe environments, where female employees can bravely speak up if they experience sexism".</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">As an employee at Nefab, Eszter shares: "I have never ever experienced discrimination at Nefab. Nefab always made me feel that I’m enough, my opinion counts, and my expertise is something to cherish. It’s also encouraging that there are a lot of female leaders at Nefab globally." </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335559737":0,"335559740":240,"469777462":[5580,9000,5580,9000],"469777927":[0,0,0,0],"469777928":[0,0,1,4]}"> </span></p>](/globalassets/nefab.com--group-site/new-site/news--insights/iwd-2024/ezster-v.png)
