March 8 is a day to remember the courage, strength and immense contribution of women to our society and economy. At Iskraemeco, this day is no exception. We know that gender equality is the foundation on which we build our future.
Women at Iskraemeco
At Iskraemeco, women are the driving force behind innovation and progress. We find them in all areas and departments, from engineering to development and management to customer support. Each of them enriches our work environment with their unique story and perspective. To celebrate Women’s Day, we spoke to some of our female employees in various roles who shared their stories, challenges and advice for young women.
“My role at Iskraemeco is strategic and development-oriented,” emphasizes Edisa Avdić Čiček, Senior HR Manager. “Every day I am motivated by the fact that, together with the team, we are laying the foundations for a more inclusive, fairer and more innovative working environment. I would advise young women considering a career in the technology sector to dare to step into this world without fear. It is important to believe in yourself, set ambitious goals and not be afraid of challenges. Technology needs diverse perspectives, and that’s why there is room here for anyone who wants to contribute and help shape the future.”
We also asked Nina Seifert, an independent development engineer, who said: “What excites me most is that I can combine analytical thinking with practical solutions. Sometimes I deal with micro details of measurements, other times with the big picture of the production process – and this diversity is what motivates me.” She encourages young women not to be put off by stereotypes and to seek out mentors. “The world of technology needs more female perspectives, so now is the time to get in!”
“Even though the certification may seem boring to some, I really like this area because I always learn something new and there is a lot of teamwork with experts from different departments as well as with external laboratories,” said Karolina Cotič Bratouž, Product Portfolio Support Specialist. “I would tell young women that this is an excellent choice. Before I came to Iskraemeco, I was in the social sciences field, and I wouldn’t go back. There is much more variety, development opportunities and new challenges in the technical field.”
Smilja Dolgan Paternoster, Head of Strategic Marketing, emphasized: “Today, women are still in the minority in the energy industry and part of the energy transition should also be to improve the position of women in this sector. I believe that as a woman, I bring a fresh perspective and mindset that allows for more fruitful discussions, better problem solving, higher productivity and faster execution, all of which lead to greater economic gains.” She advises young women, “Always stay true to yourself. You are a unique person who brings something special to the table. Your integrity is your greatest asset. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about inspiring others to be better.”
“Working in a traditionally male-dominated environment had its challenges, especially in the early years. Sometimes I felt like I had to prove myself more in order to be taken seriously, especially in technical discussions and decision-making processes,” says Maja Mouaz, Procurement & Supply Manager. “Over the years, however, I have noticed a positive change: more women are taking on management positions and technical roles, and there is a growing awareness of the importance of diversity in the workplace. My experience has reinforced my belief that diversity leads to stronger, more innovative teams and I am proud to contribute to this change at Iskraemeco.”
Azadeh Abedini, Product Manager, believes “we will continue to move forward with inclusion, with more opportunities for mentoring, supportive networks and equal representation in decision-making processes. I see a future where gender will no longer be a determining factor for career progression, but success will be determined by skills, expertise and innovation.”
“As a marketing specialist at Iskraemeco, my job is to communicate the vision of our brand globally,” explains Sara Medhat, Marketing Specialist. “What excites me the most is the opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and customers, making complex solutions accessible while contributing to a more sustainable and energy efficient future. I would advise young women to seek out mentors, keep learning and believe that their contributions matter.”
“In my role, I provide vital support to help employees achieve their goals and am an important part of ensuring smooth operations,” said Sherry Shokry, Administrative Specialist. “I would advise young women to take on responsibility because it gives them a sense of ownership and purpose in their careers. I believe that women will continue to rise to leadership positions, take on big responsibilities and drive innovation. With more opportunities and support, women will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry, leading teams and contributing at all levels.”
“As part of the billing team, my role is critical to ensuring accurate and efficient billing processes for our customers,” said Reem Elkilany, Software Product Manager. “I would advise young women not to be afraid to take the initiative, ask questions and seek mentors. I see a future where women will take on leadership roles and influence key decisions in the industry.”
Global insights
According to statistics, women make up over 40% of the global workforce, but only a third of them are in leadership positions. Even fewer, only 30%, work in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. This points to a global challenge we face in achieving gender equality in the workplace.
In the European Union, the average score on the Gender Equality Index is 71 out of 100. This means that despite progress, there are still significant differences between the sexes in various areas such as work, money, knowledge, time, power and health.
In Slovenia, the position of women is slightly better, but there are still challenges. For example, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions in business and politics.
These statistics underline the importance of recognizing the role of women in society and the economy. At Iskraemeco, we recognize that gender equality is critical to creating an inclusive and successful work environment. Therefore, we actively encourage women to develop and progress and strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
Our commitment to gender equality
Our commitment to gender equality is not limited to words. We put it into action with concrete initiatives and programs that promote the development of women and create an inclusive work environment.
- Mentoring program: We bring experienced employees together with young talent to support them in their professional development.
- Workshops and training: We organize regular training sessions on equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Equal opportunities policy: Our policy ensures equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender.
“At Iskraemeco, we strive to create a fair and inclusive working environment. We achieve this through transparent processes for recruitment and promotion, investment in employee development and measures that support work-life balance,” added Edisa Avdić Čiček. “We are also proud holders of the ‘Family-friendly enterprise’ certificate, which includes numerous initiatives for the well-being of employees. In addition, we promote open communication and a culture of cooperation in which every voice counts. I am confident that with these and future initiatives, we will continue to create an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.”
Iskraemeco supports gender equality and creates an inclusive work environment where all employees are treated equally and have development opportunities. The company has an equality and non-discrimination policy that prohibits any form of discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability or other personal circumstances.
Inspiring future generations
We believe that women will continue to play a crucial role in the development of Iskraemeco and the technology industry in general. That is why we actively encourage young women to choose technical careers and offer them opportunities for growth and development.
As Nina Seifert emphasized: “If you are interested in technology, problem solving and creating something new, then you should do it! Engineering is fun – a combination of logic, creativity and sometimes a bit of detective work. Do not be put off by stereotypes and find mentors to support you along the way. The world of engineering needs more female perspectives, so now is the time to get in!”
On International Women’s Day, we congratulate all women and thank them for their contribution to the company and to society.
