Dreamers & Makers

On March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day recognized by the UN to commemorate the struggle for equal rights and opportunities between men and women, and to vindicate the empowerment of women in all spheres of society. It is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

To reflect on the challenges and opportunities for women in the workplace, we talked to our colleagues Amal Alashkar, Carolina Montaña, Janire Zabaleta, Mariana Navarro, and Sofía Morelos. Five women—professionals from diverse fields and geographies—who shared their perspectives based on personal experience.

Amal Alashkar, graphic designer

Graduated in Architecture, she soon became interested in graphic design and branding. Currently, Amal works in our Abu Dhabi office supporting in the writing of texts and the development of illustrations and renderings for projects, as well as in the design of graphic materials for marketing and communication actions.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in these times?

Challenges vary greatly depending on factors such as location and socio-economic background, but I believe that a common challenge across these factors is the lack of equality and inadequate appreciation of duties and responsibilities between men and women. In many cases, women are still viewed as less than men and that their duties are limited to the home and education. This has generated many problems in various societies, such as violence and abuse…

Carolina Montaña, Compliance Department Manager

A lawyer with professional training in Compliance, Criminal Law, Sustainability and Judicial Investigation, Carolina performs the functions of Compliance Department Manager at Sener Group from our office in Madrid.

What advice would you give to a teenage girl or young woman who is starting her career?

I think the same I would give to a teenager or young person, which is to be prepared. Not prepared in the academic sense, that’s a given; but to be prepared for the challenges that society is imposing on us as social beings, which are to build true interpersonal relationships (people can follow you on Social Media without knowing you!), listen to and respect the opinion of others, don’t take everything personally, think of others and of the group through your professional contributions…

Janire Zabaleta, Engineering Development Manager

Graduated in industrial engineering with mechanical specialization and master in aeronautical technologies, Janire works as Engineering Development manager and technical responsible in Aerospace projects in our office in Bilbao (Spain).

What do you think are the key aspects to speed up equality between men and women?

In my opinion, it’s hard to speed up the process. The foundation is properly educating the new generations. That’s why, as I said, it’s up to each of us to contribute through our actions, whether professional or personal.

In my case, as a woman in STEAM, I have participated as a mentor in the INSPIRA program. The purpose of this program is to promote an interest in science and technology among young people, especially girls. It also seeks to shine a light on the stereotypes that exist in society so they don’t condition the decisions of young students when choosing a field of study.

Mariana Navarro, electrical engineer specializing in project management

Her interest in understanding how things worked led her to study electrical engineering and later to pursue a postgraduate degree in project management. Currently, Mariana works in the development of infrastructure and mobility projects in our Sao Paulo office.

What are the challenges and opportunities that women face when they reach the professional field?

For me, it’s a bit difficult to talk about challenges because I’ve been fortunate to work in companies like Sener that are concerned with social inclusion in every aspect, where there are no gender, nationality, or age differences, and where everyone is respected and has the same opportunities. However, I recognize that many women face prejudices and difficult situations in their workplace. What I can say to them is that it’s not necessary to stay in a place where they don’t feel welcomed and respected; there are other opportunities out there….

Sofía Morelos, Head of the Architecture Department in Mexico

With a degree in Architecture from the Universidad Iberoamericana Mexico City, Sofia is head of Sener’s Architecture department in Mexico.

What do you think are the key aspects to speed up equality between men and women?

What do you think are the key aspects to speed up equality between men and women?

I think it’s essential to learn to identify what makes us different so we can leverage our strengths to complement one another. Other key factors that have to be present in this process must undoubtedly be respect for and tolerance of all points of view, and recognizing as a society the economic and social benefits and impacts that result when human resources are used to the fullest. I’m convinced that empowering women contributes to the productivity and economy of a country…