Happy International Women’s Day
Today, the entire world is celebrating International Women’s Day and the continuous fight for gender equality and solidarity. Inclusion is important to us at AVK, and we want to celebrate the day by highlighting what it means to some of our many female employees. 08-03-2024
The first International Women’s Day was celebrated more than 100 years ago, but the discussion is still highly relevant and needed.
How can we contribute in our daily life?
The AVK Group has over 4,800 employees working in our companies across the world. As a result, we are characterised by a high degree of diversity, as our employees represent many different professional functions and backgrounds. We consider diversity to be a strength and we respect and value everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Investing in and creating an equal and inclusive environment is not done by anyone alone or with any particular action. It is a result of collective efforts, not just by women, but by all who care about human rights and about others’ well-being in general. As leaders and colleagues, we can all support this in our everyday life by always considering if our environment is as inclusive as we want it to be.
Our colleagues have shared their thoughts about inclusion below:
Inspire everyone to contribute
To me, inclusion allows everyone to feel inspired to do their job without any fear of being judged of who they are or what they may represent. When you have an employee who feels supported and inspired you then have someone who is contributing their best.
Anne Paine
Training Manager
American AVK Company
Together we achieve more
Anurima Roy
Regional Marketing Manager
AVK Gulf DMCC
A dynamic workplace for all
Cathy Simons
HR Manager
Wouter Witzel
Self-awareness and Empowerment
Inclusion is the celebration of diversity and empowerment of women in all spheres of life. Empowerment comes from embracing the true self and realising self-worth, self-value and self-respect.
Encouraging women at workplace from an array of backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and identities is the true celebration of diversity. Creating an environment where woman's voice is heard and valued is the most profound tribute an organisation can offer.
Deepa LS
Team Lead Supply Chain
AVK Valves India Pvt. Ltd
Embracing diversity and empowerment
Inclusion means having a voice and being valued for who we are, regardless of where we come from or what we have been through. It is about being part of a community that recognizes our worth and contributions, and at AVK GUMMI, we have found that. Since leaving Ukraine, the opportunities here have allowed us to provide our families with a brighter future. We are grateful for the chance to work, grow, and thrive in a place that embraces diversity and empowers us to make a difference.
Lesya Avramenko and Olena Dolgykh
Machine Operators
AVK GUMMI, Denmark
Equal rights and opportunities.... with a touch of kindness
To me, inspiring inclusion means being able to broaden the vision of the world around us; respecting women’s rights means creating opportunities, paying attention, not overruling but understanding a different perspective and sensitivity.
Sofia Lavagnolo
Managing Director
AC.MO S.r.l.
The world craves resilient women
The world craves resilient women—those who uplift and construct, who embrace love and are loved, who navigate life with both gentleness and ferocity, and who possess an unyielding spirit.
Nicole Singh
Group Marketing Coordinator
AVK Valves Southern Africa
Redefining Possibilities Together
Our collective strength lies in our diversity, and together, we can redefine what's possible.
Laurika van der Walt
Group Human Resources Manager
AVK Valves Southern Africa
Working together for success
Inclusion means to me, treating everyone with respect, honestly and kindness, irrespective of job role, gender, race or sexual orientation. We are one team, strong in our differences, working together for success.
Lynne Lambert
Learning & Development Manager
AVK UK Ltd
Small achievements become great victories
The struggle has always been constant, but with our strength and ideals our small daily achievements will become great victories. We can do much more.
Nohara Domingues
Financial Analyst
AVK Válvulas do Brasil
International Women’s Day
The yearly celebration sets out to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and in the future. This year, the theme is Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress, with the following statement shared on the official UN Women website:
“Gender equality remains the greatest human rights challenge. Investing in women is a human rights imperative and cornerstone for building inclusive societies. Progress for women benefits us all.”
