Looking beyond International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day this year we saw women’s achievements from around the world being recognised, while also ensuring that as a society we will all continue to play our part to #BreaktheBias.

As an industry, we need to help create a safe environment for all of our colleagues, with diversity being one of the most important key points for success. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone in the workplace, focusing on our employees’ mental health and recognising that this is key in allowing them to be the best version of themselves professionally.

For me, the first step to overcoming and challenging bias was acknowledging that both men and women are subject to it. From that moment on, I started to speak up and take action when needed. I actively encourage the women around me (friends and co-workers) to do the same and let them know that they have my support when doing so.

I asked some of my colleagues in Bucharest to share their thoughts on the gender equality movement and how they are committing to improve their actions to fulfil this goal.

Rebecca Herling, Graduate Sustainability Engineer

How have you broken down stereotypes and challenged bias?
Growing up, I understood how important it was to embrace my roots and every day, I try to be the most powerful version of myself. Learning judo has helped me a lot in this process because it taught me to reflect before acting, be respectful in front of everyone, and be patient. The aim of judo is to utilise physical and mental strength most effectively. You must develop yourself and become a valuable citizen of society.

What do we need to do as an industry to break the bias?
In my opinion, it is not so simple for society to ‘unlearn’ behaviours. The key to this, I think, is the motto "we are stronger together". What makes us stronger is to be united and share the same values, which then makes us more powerful and gives us the necessary confidence. So, to break the bias in our industry, it is crucial to stay together, be confident in our potential, and be prepared to speak up whenever asked.


Andreea Andrei, Graduate Sustainability Engineer

How have you broken down stereotypes and challenged bias?
Each of us is exposed to stereotypes from both perspectives. We have our own stereotypes, and the people we interact with visualise us through their own stereotypes. I think that the major stereotype I faced was my age and the fact that I am from a certain region of the country, but over time I learned not to be affected by labels and listen to my inner voice whispering to me that ‘I can’. This is exactly what I think awakens empathy and compassion in relationships with others and has led me to give up stereotypes and break the bias.

How do you pledge to break the bias in 2022?
We have the opportunity to break the bias every day, through empathy, courage and open communication. I will continue to work on these skills, to be able to support the women around me and at the same time take as much inspiration as I can from them.


Denisa Matei, Sustainability Engineer

How have you broken down stereotypes and challenged bias?
Sometimes, I struggle to overcome stereotypes as a result of being raised in a ‘misogyny cult’. I surprise myself by having my own judgmental thoughts about not being capable of specific tasks or dressing in a ‘ladylike’ manner. Everyone should be able to act, dress, talk and do whatever they want, and society should not have any bias against it. I am trying my best to break the chain of gender inequalities in my circle of acquaintances.

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you - this can be related to your work or personal life
The women who have inspired me and influenced my approach are my line managers. They inspire confidence, and even though I still struggle from time to time with a lack of self-confidence, I am making progress towards creating a successful life and am far more confident than I was three years ago.


Simona Zamfir, Sustainability Engineer

How have you broken down stereotypes and challenged bias?
I make a point every day to challenge my unconscious bias by not jumping to conclusions when I meet / talk to someone. I work on my language, tackling expressions that refer to stereotypes, using communication as a tool to create a more inclusive environment.

How do you pledge to break the bias in 2022?
I pledge to support more minority artists such as painters, authors, musicians by investing in their work and broadening our horizon. Also, in 2022 I plan to read at least one book about dealing with unconscious bias and the way it influences decision making.


Bianca Volintiru, Graduate Sustainability Engineer

What do we need to do as an industry to break the bias?
We should be open minded and educate ourselves so that our minds don’t get ‘old’. I believe technology has an impact on every one of us and it must be used as a tool to improve ourselves. We should ask for feedback because we must constantly evolve, becoming better versions of ourselves. We must hear others' opinions and be open to receiving constructive ‘negative’ feedback.

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you - this can be related to your work or personal life
One of the women who inspires me is my mother. She’s a strong person and she has built herself up to be an expert in her field. She’s been working in her field for over 20 years, and she loves her profession, despite experiencing some difficult times. She showed me how important it is to seek out new topics, do courses and keep learning. This is something I like to do as well. I would encourage each person to find their passion and leverage it.


Alexandra Dogaru, Graduate Sustainability Engineer

I have broken down the bias by being my authentic self, while focusing on my own growth as a person. I do not let myself be defined by my gender, but rather being by my actions and achievements. I am no longer seeking validation from other people in order to distinguish myself.

How do you pledge to break the bias in 2022?
I am a naturally quiet person and find it difficult to speak up and stand up for myself. This year, I will work on doing this whenever the opportunity presents itself and by following Eleanor Roosevelt’s maxim: ‘’well-behaved women rarely make history.’’


Alexandra Zane, Graduate Sustainability Engineer

What do we need to do as an industry to break the bias?
We need to be prepared and committed to react to inappropriate or discriminating comments and behaviours. It is our role today to make sure they are no longer tolerated.

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you - this can be related to your work or personal life
One of the women who inspires me the most is Mother Teresa. I admire the way her life was dedicated to helping others. She believed in doing whatever was possible to help, whether big or small.

Learn more about Cundall’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here.