International Women's Day: Female Leaders in Manufacturing

Each year, 8th March marks International Women’s Day - a time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day is a fresh call to action for gender parity and positive change for women in places, where it is dangerous to be one.

In the manufacturing sector, it is sometimes rare to see a woman on the team - on the factory floor or the executive team. But each year, women continue to break down barriers and build spaces for women to make an impact. 

Women in manufacturing on International Women's Day

Petra Bracko Mitchell, President and CEO at Catalyst Connection told Manufacturing Digital what International Women's Day means to her. 

"As a woman in engineering who has chosen a career leading in manufacturing operations, I've learned that success certainly isn't guaranteed; it's forged through dedication and a refusal to accept barriers as limitations,” she said. “Every obstacle I've encountered on the way to my position today has only fueled my determination to do what I can to carve out spaces where women can thrive. 

“I know my journey echoes that of countless women who have defied the status quo, and on this International Women's Day I simply want to celebrate how far we've come, while acknowledging the strength and spirit that propels women forward every day. Together, today’s women are opening up opportunities for future generations, hopefully reminding them that with perseverance and passion, they too can engineer their dreams into reality.”

Polestar’s Fredrika Klarén on sustainability challenges in car manufacturing 

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Sustainability LIVE Net Zero featured an all-female panel for ‘The Future of Electric Cars in a Net Zero World’, which explored the future of transportation. 

The panel was hosted by BizClik's own Neil Perry and included:

• Kristen Siemen, Chief Sustainability Officer at General Motors (GM) 
• Angela Hultberg, Global Director of Sustainability at Kearney
• Fredrika Klarén, Head of Sustainability at Polestar 
• Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rivian.

In the past, car manufacturers were faced with challenges around cost and efficiency. Now, Polestar’s Fredrika Klarén argues, the problems are how to advance sustainability. 

“Within automotive companies, we have so many problems to solve,” said Klarén. “I mean, I was shocked at the level of capability and knowledge that you have inhouse in a car manufacturing company. It's amazing to see designers and engineers taking on the sustainability challenges.”

Read more here.

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