CSR
ELQvinnorna
Nov 8, 2023
Where are the ladies?
The electrical industry is one of the worst industries in Sweden in terms of gender distribution. Of the members of the Electricians' Union, only about 3.5% are women. On November 7th, 19 of them came to visit us at Nexans in Grimsås. We are very pleased that ELQvinnorna from southwestern Sweden chose a factory visit at Nexans as part of their conference.
The visit included a company presentation by Nexans' Aron Andersson, Product Manager Power Distribution, who also showed our sustainability film. After that, Aron and Frida Emanuelsson, Designer R&D, took separate groups on a factory tour. The lab showcased various tests, and an ongoing fire test attracted a lot of attention. The tour also thoroughly covered power and telecom production, with many questions from the visitors. Finally, they also saw the packaging process, our AGV trucks, and the finished goods warehouse.
Is it really that terrible to be a female electrician?
ELQvinnorna is a small part of the Electricians' Union and started as a network for female electricians - to support, empower, and retain the women who have chosen to work in the electrical industry. Since its inception, a lot has changed in the industry, and the network now works to change the perception of the electrical profession, from being a male-dominated occupation to one for everyone.
So, there have been changes on this front?
Yes, absolutely. There's a big difference now compared to when we started. Companies have realized that they can't be serious players without addressing these issues. The major challenge we see now is to educate schools and provide many of their guidance counselors with updates on how the industry looks today. Several girls in schools report hearing things like, "but should you, as a girl, really become an electrician?" from school staff. There needs to be clearer communication between schools and the industry to avoid discouraging those who want to be electricians.
What is your goal?
To not exist. Not many have a goal to cease to exist, but our wish is to create acceptance for being different. When the industry becomes more inclusive, gender-equal, and equitable, we hope that we will no longer be needed. A more accepting industry would benefit everyone, not just women.
Do you work on more sustainability issues than the social ones?
Sustainability thinking has not yet fully permeated the "ordinary electrician" on the floor but is still primarily in other roles such as project managers, purchasing, etc. However, important questions remain about how products are manufactured, under what conditions, and how they are transported. Societal development is clear on these issues, but it may need to progress faster; perhaps we all need to push the responsible parties harder.
What can we as a cable manufacturer do to help bring more women into the industry?
Nexans already has a good gender balance today. Your ongoing work to develop cables that are easier to work with and not as heavy has done a lot to make the profession less physically demanding. Keep up that work and make sure to feature women in your campaigns. It's crucial to work at all levels; for example, we were involved in the development of maternity pants for tradespeople, a seemingly simple thing that can make a big difference for many. Together, we can change the perception of the industry and encourage girls as a group where we nurture curiosity and interest instead of questioning it.
What do you say to those considering entering the industry?
Being an electrician is a future-proof profession with a tremendous need to electrify society. It's a varied and versatile job with many different roles you can take on; there's something for everyone. Don't listen to those who claim that the industry is only for men. We have extensive experience and many years in this field, so we can confidently say that the industry is for everyone!
A thousand thanks to Denice Hillerström, Lisa Lundberg, Amanda Jankvist, Emily Anfjord, Mikaela Gustavsson, Andrea Egermayer, Emmy Jakobsson, My Johansson, Tina Mårtensson, Albertina Jonneryd, Helen Moberg, Carey Jingrou Yu, Stina Lönn, Elä Malmberg, Sabina Jonnergård, Johanna Lövdahl, Katarina Berg, Madelene Breistål, and initiator Cia Holm for the visit and all your questions.
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