International Women's Day: 5 statements about women in tech jobs

The days of entrenched gender roles are sort of behind us, right? Are there still challenges for women in engineering jobs in 2025?

Lise Waterloos, occupational safety prevention adviser: "There certainly are. As a prevention consultant, I visit a lot of technical and industrial companies. I do sometimes get comments like: 'Have you ever worked with a grinding wheel before?' or 'You're going to tell us how to do our job?’. Even before I can prove my expertise, I am pigeonholed."

Also, Anouk Bries, environmental prevention adviser: "In some companies, there is still a preponderance of men. So far, I have encountered few problems with that, but not everyone has the same mindset. You just end up hoping that people will take your advice, regardless of your gender."

Lise Waterloos: "Men are valued for their risk-taking and results orientation, while women are more likely to be seen as 'too soft'. In reality, there are countless ways to lead. An empathetic approach is one of them. Fortunately, I notice that more and more companies realise this."

For Anouk Bries, it is currently not an issue: "My supervisor is a woman and that doesn't feel like an exception for me at all. She encourages open communication and really listens. Whether that is a typical female trait, I don't know, but I appreciate it enormously."

Anne Knapen: "Curiously, I have never had a female manager. That might also say a lot, right?"
 

Anouk Bries: "I am privileged to be able to study and work without any problems, which is something that generations of women have fought for. But globally, that battle is far from over. So, International Women's Day is not only a time to reflect on what we have achieved, but also to look at the challenges that still lie ahead."

For LiseWaterloos, the employer plays a crucial role in this: "Organisations should create a working environment where everyone is given equal opportunities and valued based on performance and expertise. It is not about whether someone is male or female, but about the competences the person possesses."

Anne Knapen: "I see women underestimating themselves, while men do this less and sometimes overestimate themselves. That's also how you get a distorted picture in job applications. In my view, this is a major cause of the wage gap that still exists. Therefore, an important role for managers is to look past the facade and recognise real talent."

But according to Anouk Bries, gender equality goes beyond just wages: "The challenge also lies in the 'second and third shift' that many women carry. Besides their paid job, women often still take on most of the household chores and parenting. Moreover, the mental load - such as scheduling appointments, shopping, and family organisation - is still often taken for granted.

For Anne Knapen, the focus is on opportunity and recognition: "You have to put competent people in the right position, regardless of gender. That, to me, is equality. And women: don't be too humble! Build a portfolio, show what you can do, and don't be afraid to step into the spotlight."

Gender equality is not just an issue for women. It is about breaking down prejudices and recognising everyone's talents, regardless of gender.

Lise Waterloos sums it up nicely: "Real progress does not lie in excessive feminism, but in a healthy balance where equality is the norm. Only then will we build a fair and inclusive future together."