Experiences
Interview with Marta Navarro, Head of Business Development at SENER in Australia, on International Women's Day
"Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow" is the theme of International Women's Day 2022. Recognition of the contributions made by women and girls who are leading the efforts to fight, mitigate and adapt to climate change in order to build a more sustainable future.
On the occassion of this Day, we spoke with Marta Navarro, Head of Business Development at SENER in Australia.
Marta, what attracted you to the sector? Tell us about your career path.
Ever since I was at school, I liked all the subjects related to what were then known as 'The Sciences'. When I chose my profession, I was clear that I was going to be an engineer, and I settled on what was perhaps less tangible, the telecommunications sector. From there, I started to plan mobile communications networks and their applications in train control systems to direct increasingly automated infrastructure projects. I've been lucky enough to be able to participate in international projects and to learn about other methods of engineering. I am currently immersed in the challenge of increasing and consolidating SENER's presence in Australia.
It's been shown that diverse and inclusive work teams get the most out of each individual's personal skills, foster innovation and are beneficial to project development. From your point of view, do we need to make structural changes to work organisation to ensure that we all, regardless of age or gender, contribute and work as a team?
I think it is fundamental. Technology has been evolving exponentially in recent times and work teams must be increasingly agile and flexible, and new technologies must be applied in new products and new methods of engineering. Systems are becoming increasingly complex and diversity in equipment and collaborative work are essential.
Women's leadership contributes in many ways to organisations and society in general. Women provide different viewpoints in innovation and in solving problems that ultimately have an impact on society. Marta Navarro, Business Development at SENER in Australia
Advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. How much do you think female leadership can contribute to build a more sustainable future?
I don't believe that sustainability is a gender issue. Women's leadership contributes in many ways to organisations and society in general. Women provide different viewpoints in innovation and in solving problems that ultimately have an impact on society. Raising awareness of social and environmental issues and long-term vision are the keys to ensuring a sustainable future.
Education is essential to advance personally, professionally and socially. As a professional, what would you say to a young woman who wants to pursue a degree in the field of science and technology/engineering?
Ignore the fact that it's a man's world. Women's vision is necessary. Bear in mind that Science and Technology are applied on a day-to-day basis, and that they contribute to improving the needs of people, society and the environment. Collaboration and different points of view are essential. Furthermore, if you raise this issue, it is because it attracts your attention and certainly in this case you will have a good time and enjoy the work. And that is very important.
