Our She-ros: International Day of Women and Girls in Science – Part 2

After we have already introduced you to some inspiring female scientists at Pepperl+Fuchs in the first part, we now follow part 2 of our series on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Today we would like to pay tribute once again to colleagues who contribute to science with their work and passion.

Jasmine, Help Desk Technician in Information Technology at Pepperl+Fuchs in the USA

• What advice would you give to young women who want to go into science?
  The advice I would give to young women who want to go into science is: go for it- nothing can hold you back! I was once afraid and worried I wouldn’t succeed, but looking back, I wish I had believed in myself more because I did it. I should have embraced the challenges instead of fearing them. Follow your passion, give it your all, believe in yourself, always keep pushing forward, and you WILL succeed!
• How did you learn to assert yourself in an often male-dominated environment?
  What keeps me motivated and confident is recognizing that I am a minority in my field, and that is actually something I embrace. It makes me feel more valuable because women are less common in computer science and IT. Another motivating factor is understanding that women often approach things differently than men, and I see that as an advantage. Sometimes, women are more passionate about their work, and this passion can really make a difference. I believe that having a balance of men and women in the workplace, even if there are more men, is crucial- especially in IT. Our diverse perspectives and ways of thinking help us approach problems from different angles, which ultimately benefits the company.
• How do you deal with prejudice in your work environment?
  Fortunately, I have not had to deal with prejudice at Pepperl+Fuchs, but I have experienced it at other companies. Unfortunately, many women will face this issue in male-dominated fields. When I encountered prejudice in the past, I knew I had to speak up, even though it was scary. I feared being reprimanded or treated worse, but I came to realize that prejudice is NEVER acceptable.
• What positive developments do you currently see for women in science?
  In addition to the growing demand for computer science professionals, I also see a positive shift in the visibility and support for women in science. A positive change I have noticed over the years is the growing number of women participating in science. There has also been an increase in female leadership and influencers in the field, along with the impact of social media and evolving societal norms, all of which have played a significant role in encouraging more women to get involved. The future for women in science is filled with limitless potential and exciting opportunities!

Eileen, Assistant in the Development Department at Pepperl+Fuchs in Germany

• What helps you stay motivated and confident (in a male-dominated field)?
  I chose this profession because I am enthusiastic about technology and I want to make a difference. The curiosity to learn new things and to apply the knowledge I have acquired drives me. From my experience, I can say that competence and conscientious work prevail.
• How do you deal with prejudices in your work environment?
  I rarely experience prejudices and when I do, I concentrate on convincing with performance and competence.
• What positive developments do you currently see for women in science?
  The proportion of female students in technical and scientific courses has grown steadily in recent years and represents the increasing interest of women in the STEM professions, which in my opinion is a very positive development.

Doan, Warehouse & Logistics Manager at Pepperl+Fuchs in Vietnam

• How did you learn to assert yourself in an often male-dominated environment?
  I start with positive thinking, believe in our own strengths and values.
• How do you deal with prejudice in your work environment?
  We have the capability to create our own environment. Instead of complaining about circumstances, we should focus on things that we can control.

Erika, Leader of Quality Management Production and Logistics at Pepperl+Fuchs in Hungary

• What advice would you give to young women who want to go into science?
  The first step is to reflect on yourself and find out which field of science suits you. This is necessary to be able to work with passion. Self-motivation helps to deal with obstacles that arise. Last but not least, it is important to mention that in most cases we are part of a team and if we accept each other, then our performance level is at a much higher level than if we work individually. This is not only an advantage for the organization, but also for ourselves.
• What helps you stay motivated and confident (in a field that is dominated by men)?
  It is true that I work in filed that is dominated by men but I do not have the feeling that I am not supported or listened just because I am a woman. Sincerely speaking it is necessary to accept that we are different in thinking in attituding, in skills and abilities but this statement is valid for all genders. A good working environment should not depend on gender of the team. 
• How do you deal with prejudice in your work environment?
  My short answer is that there is no precedent that I was treated with prejudice which means that I do not have to deal with that.
• What positive developments do you currently see for women in science?
  The number of women in science has increased in recent decades. What I have experienced is that the society get used to it and the acceptance it is much higher like many years ago. It is no longer a surprise that a woman starts to develop herself in a field that is dominated by men.

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Titelbild: Adobe Stock