What does gender equality mean to you?
Personally, I believe that gender equality encourages us to not think in terms of conventions and allows both men and women to express their competencies to the fullest, realizing their potential in more diverse and enriched work environments.
Gender equality challenges all existing stereotypes between men and women. Often, in both work and family settings, women share their perspectives without hiding their emotions, unlike men who tend to be more composed and rational by nature. We’ve reached a point where it’s not just what a woman says but how she says it that matters. Gender equality aims to redefine this outdated perception by embracing a more sensitive language that acknowledges the importance of certain characteristics that distinguish femininity: attention to others, collaboration, and perceptiveness.

In your opinion, why is it important for companies to embrace gender equality?
I believe that gender equality is important for companies because it means looking towards the future and fostering development, dialogue, and experiences to achieve better results.
In corporate settings, women bring a wide range of emotions and can moderate situations while maintaining control, offsetting men’s tendency towards imperturbability and rigor. Gender equality promotes physical and psychological well-being, ensuring a more attentive focus on the company’s needs and fostering positive and harmonious organizational contexts. A balanced presence of both women and men enriches ideas and leads to higher economic returns.

Could you share, if you’d like, a positive and/or negative experience you’ve personally had or heard about regarding gender equality?
I can share a positive experience related to gender equality.
I am a woman nearing 40 years of age, and I currently hold a managerial position within an automotive company.
I joined the company back in 2007, starting as a telephone operator for Customer Satisfaction activities, a role traditionally considered more suitable for women. I had no prior experience in the industry, but through continuous training, regular interaction with colleagues from other departments, and active involvement in meetings and decision-making processes, I was able to develop technical skills and discover some soft skills I didn’t know I possessed. In a short time, I grew professionally, becoming the manager of a department comprising 18 individuals, both women and men of various age groups. Over the years, I had the opportunity, as part of the HR department, to be involved in the final stages of the hiring process, allowing me to choose candidates who aligned with my expectations and the desired profile.
Today, I manage a department that is experiencing significant growth in line with market demands, enabling each team member to undergo continuous training and updates tailored to their professional aptitudes and business areas.
In my department, the ability to work in a collaborative team prevails, aided by flexible shift hours, which allows those with families to better balance work and private life. Through this organization, the department has achieved significant improvements in terms of internal corporate climate, efficiency, and productivity, becoming an example of work-life balance within our company.