With Aixial Group achieving such a high score for gender equality, what does this achievement mean to you as HR Business Partner? 

— For several years now, our gender equality score has been above 95/100, so it’s not really a surprise, but more of a confirmation that we keep on improving this score each year and that this topic remains in the center of our preoccupations.

On the recruitment side, it’s definitely something that we are proud of sharing with our candidates during our interview process and when meeting candidates or students in job fairs.

By showing fairness in the way we select, manage and promote our internal teams, without bias, we make sure that we have the right person at the right place, which is a goal for every organization. Plus, the impact on our retention rate is real.

In today’s world, what do you see as the biggest challenge to achieving gender equality, and how can companies like ours work towards achieving gender equality? 

— Only 30% of science students are women. On the plus side, that number is increasing but it is still low. In reality, it has more to do with the fact that at school, with the same grades, girls might not be encouraged to follow this scientific path.

For companies, it seems quite simple to me: you focus on inclusive hiring and just select the best candidates without bias for each role. Then, you build a fair salary grid and promote based on performance, involvement and merit. 

At Aixial, each manager works closely with our Human Resources and Finance departments during Career Committees to ensure that we provide equal opportunities for pay rises. That is one of the key reasons why our score is so high.

What do you think is the most important factor in maintaining a workplace where gender equality continues to thrive? 

— I would say that in order to achieve that goal, top management in the company plays an important role. As long as managers support and show gender equality when they recruit, assess and promote their employees, there is no place for any type of gender-based discrimination.

As a female leader at Aixial Group, what advice would you give to women on overcoming barriers to gender equality?

— At Aixial, we have plenty of examples of female-led departments, so I never felt like my voice and ideas were not being heard because of my gender.

As women, we must believe in our added-value and in the ideas we bring to the table. Doubting yourself can sometimes be good as a way of self-improvement, but if it’s too much or all the time, the effect is counterproductive.

And for the ones that feel like their work and involvement is not being recognized and valued at their current company, they can take a look at our job offers…