Six of our female staff discuss why International Women’s Day on 8 March is a significant annual event. From Business Support to Senior Principal, from Undergraduate to PhD, all agree that Women in STEM need to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Meet our Women in STEM representatives:
Debora Ferreira – CADD Technician
Years in STEM – 5
Elaine Fisher – National Business Support Manager
Years in STEM – 26
Karina Cruz – Quality Assurance (CQA) Site Engineer
Years in STEM – 26
Luisa Luengas – Principal Engineer/ Victorian Operations Coordinator
Years in STEM – 17
Dr Melissa Salt – Senior Principal Scientist
Years in STEM – 34
Ranjana Paudel – Undergraduate Engineer (Civil Engineering)
Years in STEM – 1
Why is it vital to celebrate IWD?
Melissa: Women provide a different approach and way of thinking that should be valued, but they are still very underrepresented in our industry.
Luisa: Equality needs to be celebrated, even more so when there are still more doors to be opened. IWD is a chance to celebrate removing further obstacles for women.
Debora: IWD is a conversation starter to address the many situations where women aren’t treated fairly or with respect. That can be exemplified in the workplace with salary caps and socially with violence against women. It is very important to address these issues.
Ranjana: Women are underrepresented in mining. It is important to acknowledge the women who are already working in the field to motivate them and others to join us.
Karina: It’s a good reminder that women are capable of facing the professional challenges that arise throughout our careers, and they are also the foundation of the family.
Elaine: IWD is a way to be valued and to acknowledge the importance of job security for women.
How does ATC Williams support equality at work?
Luisa: We need to keep enticing more women with good initiatives to make it easier to stay at work. ATCW are doing that with a parental leave policy and flexible work environment. We care for both women and men who want to stay home to support their partner to return to work.
Debora: IWD is one day a year, so consistency is what I value the most. I appreciate that ATCW tracks salary gaps and equity hires and does culture reviews. We have HR channels to report if we are feeling unsafe at work as well.
Elaine: Attending the annual IWD AusIMM luncheon is a great way for the business support team to mix with the technical staff and be recognised for the significance of both roles. Having dedicated People & Culture and Health, Safety, Environment & Wellbeing teams ensures we are compliant with engaging with better mental health policies and overall work-life balance.
Where is there room to do better?
Melissa: Be kind and listen – that’s my go-to motto – it leads to better solutions and outcomes for everyone.
Luisa: Women are underrepresented in higher levels of management. The ATCW board is an example here. The solution is to ensure women are given opportunities from the beginning of their careers, so they get skills and experience early to then become leaders. For women to flourish in this sector, male leadership in the room needs to be supportive and trusting.
Debora: I appreciate what everyone brings to the table and respect everyone equally. I value balance and diversity, and I think the mining industry can benefit from more women.
Karina: I appreciate the critical thinking skills of many male colleagues, and I believe that a mixed gender team makes for efficient, effective and productive work.
Can you give an example of being supported to succeed at work?
Elaine: When I first started as the receptionist in 2000, it was very old school, and admin roles were not seen as part of contributing to the bottom line. It took quite a few years to feel confident enough to have a voice as an admin. That has changed over the last ten to fifteen years, and I feel highly valued and respected at work. I’m not against moving around, but I am an example of how to upskill within the same company for over 25 years. You can forge a good career path in a good company.
Luisa: I have put my hand up for hard and challenging things, with the understanding that a big risk will give a big return. I have been supported to take those risks, which have been rewarding. Being promoted to set up and manage the ATCW Hobart office in 2021 is a great example. Returning to Melbourne three years later as a Victorian Operations Coordinator has offered me the opportunity to mentor people to grow as the company grows, while still doing the technical work I enjoy as a Principal Engineer.
Ranjana: I value the teamwork at ATC, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. If I make a mistake, it’s treated as a learning opportunity, and my colleagues take the time to guide me and help me improve. That support gives me confidence to grow in my role.
What’s valuable about working with other women in this industry?
Elaine: The women we have here now are great people with professional mindsets. The business support team are passionate about their roles, and they give 150% to the business, along with managing their home lives.
Luisa: Everyone brings a different perspective to problem-solving, so when there are more women in the room, it can mean that there are more like-minded solutions. Then perhaps your proposition will receive support, instead of being dismissed. Women also bring a different kind of emotional intelligence to situations.
Katrina: Women often have a multifaceted and dynamic focus, which helps us see the big picture while still paying attention to detail.
Ranjana: As an international student, all my university friends are male and very supportive. However, working with other women in this industry is especially valuable to me. It gives me a sense of belonging and empowerment, and it’s inspiring to see women supporting and succeeding alongside each other in this field.
Melissa: Women have camaraderie, and we support and back one another. Balance is important at work, and it’s good when strengths and weaknesses are balanced and different ways of thinking are encouraged.
Want more IWD content? Watch our IWD Video here