Aixial France achieves a Gender Equality Score of 99/100
A conversation with Célia Leers

Gender Equality — “The women I work with are deeply passionate about what they do. They are fully invested in their projects and the collective success of the company. Their dedication and determination to contribute to the organization’s goals also inspire me to give my best.”
Célia Leers /
Senior Manager
Achieving a gender equality score of 99/100 is a big achievement for Aixial Group. What does this achievement mean to you?
— Congratulations on this impressive achievement! As a Sales Director, I’ve often worked in male-dominated environments where being a woman can be a challenge. That’s why I’m proud that Aixial Group has achieved such a high score, but I’m not really surprised, given what I experience and observe every day.
Scoring 99/100 in terms of gender equality is a significant recognition of our company’s commitment to creating an inclusive and fair work environment. Aixial is an environment where diversity and inclusion are not just principles but everyday practices. With this high score, I see it as part of my responsibility to help ensure that gender equality remains a priority within Aixial. I aim to keep supporting efforts to monitor, evaluate, and adjust our policies, so we stay focused and responsive to anything that might challenge this goal.
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?
— The greatest challenge today in achieving gender equality, in my opinion, lies in changing deeply ingrained mindsets and gender stereotypes. While significant progress has been made in terms of legislation, education, and workforce participation, some barriers still remain less visible, but still impactful. At Aixial, we operate in the Life Sciences sector, where the female population is largely represented. The training and careers available in this sector are attractive to both men and women, which makes it easier for us to have an equal number of employees in our teams.
Over and above this equitable representation in terms of numbers, women are also represented at every level of the company’s hierarchy, reflecting Aixial’s ability to develop employees regardless of their gender. For companies aiming to enhance gender equality, focusing on balanced representation at all levels, offering training on unconscious bias, and encouraging inclusive practices that embrace diversity are important steps to take.
What inspires you most about the women you work with at Aixial Group?
— And what inspires me most about the women I work with is their ability to combine professional expertise, human vision, and a desire to positively impact the company. They embody values of leadership, innovation, and solidarity, all of which contribute to the strength of the group. They are also deeply passionate about what they do. Fully committed to their projects and the company’s collective success, their dedication to contribute to the organization’s goals inspire me to give my best.
The women at Aixial bring a unique perspective, often marked by creative problem-solving. They propose innovative solutions, think outside the box, and drive projects forward in practical and original ways. Their ability to view challenges from different angles enriches the company.
How do you think this influences the culture of our company?
— My colleagues actively contribute to shaping a strong company culture centered on collaboration, resilience, and inclusivity. Their impact creates an environment where talent can thrive, creativity is encouraged, and equal opportunity is at the heart of every action, also serving as a strategic lever for the company’s performance and long-term sustainability.
As a female leader at Aixial Group, what advice would you give to women on overcoming barriers to gender equality?
— As a director within Aixial, I will advise all women to believe in themselves, seize opportunities, build their networks and support each other in the pursuit of gender equality in the company. We are fortunate to have women at every level and in every function within Aixial. It’s therefore our responsibility to continue to promote these values of equality every day.
Finally, women are often subject to the dual pressure of succeeding in their careers while managing their family responsibilities. It’s important to recognize the importance of this balance and not feel guilty about it. Find solutions to manage your time and priorities effectively, and don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments or support in doing so.
Our commitment to advancing gender equality
- 20/20 on Equal Pay Rises: Providing equal opportunities for pay rises.
- 15/15 on Promotion Opportunities: Ensuring equal access to promotions for all genders.
- 15/15 on Maternity Leave Support: Offering full support and pay increases for employees returning from maternity leave.
- 10/10 on Women in Top Salaries: Achieving gender balance in the top 10 salaries.
- 39/40 on Equal Pay: Ensuring fair pay for all employees.
This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive!