An increasing number of women in safety and prevention: Five questions to our Mensura panel

Anne Berghmans: “This day reminds us of the importance of women in society, in private as well as professional life. Because although a lot of progress has already been made in terms of emancipation, inequality and discrimination are far from being a thing of the past."

Gretel Schrijvers: "I think it's a shame that we still need a Women's Day to draw attention to the position of women in society. Every day should be a woman's day and a man's day."

Muriel Van Cauwenberghe: "That's right, for me there is no need for such theme days. We have to show respect for each other every day, don't we? By putting women in the spotlight for one day, we might even feed the gender stereotypes we want to get rid of."

Heidi Henkens: "By the way, we also have to get rid of the binary gender concept. Each identity within the broad gender spectrum must be given the same opportunities, without sweeping the differences under the carpet. Not gender equality, but gender equivalence."

Kristel Knops: “I have never experienced that. Being a woman in the job of an occupational physician is actually a plus. For example, I can switch quickly between communicating empathically and taking formal decisions, even if it's not a popular decision. This is how I win the trust and respect of employer as well as unions. But also from the employees, who did not explicitly choose us."

Heidi Henkens: "Our job as a prevention adviser still often takes place in a man's world. Apart from the more caring aspect, we also have an advisory and steering role. For example, we sometimes have to address a business manager about abuses on his workplace, or an employee about undesirable behaviour. You are sometimes treated in a condescending manner in such situations. Although that has more to do with unequal power relations than with gender in itself."

Kristel Knops: "Actually not. In some sectors, there is still a wage gap, which is unfair. Moreover, organisations could go the extra mile in terms of flexible schedules, or by limiting excessive overtime for their managers and executives."

Heidi Henkens: "I also notice that 'female' qualities such as caring, understanding or social sensitivity are still sometimes labelled as negative in the workplace. Yet it is important to show your emotions or vulnerability in the work context as well. It would even help to prevent burn-outs."

Muriel Van Cauwenberghe: "Legislation should also further loosen up the classic gender roles. By allowing fathers to stay home more or longer for their children, for example. The same benefits for everyone - that’s logical, right?"

Kristel Knops: "Anyone in a management or executive position must have the competence to lead professionally. Gender, age, sexual orientation or conviction are irrelevant. That's why I abhor quotas."

Gretel Schrijvers: "Me too, the added value of women in leadership positions should be evident. But perhaps a phase of quotas is first required for that? Within Mensura, we select purely on competencies, gender never plays a role. The result is a healthy mix. And that’s a good thing: women often view a problem from a different perspective, which is enriching when we arrive at a solution together."

Muriel Van Cauwenberghe: "The added value is indeed in a mix, that is pure science. But I make no secret of the fact that I am happy to work in an organisation in which ambitious women have equal opportunities."

Heidi Henkens: "Absolutely, but to men as well! There are currently more female prevention advisers for psychosocial aspects with us than male ones. A little more diversity within my own team would be an added value for me."

Anne Berghmans: “The job of prevention adviser is full of variety and requires knowledge, conscientiousness, listening skills, adaptability, etc. And last but not least: you have to be prepared to swap your heels for safety boots every now and then and your warm office for a chilly construction site!"