Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day reminds us to strive for a gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. At Aliaxis, we believe this is a goal best achieved by working together.
To honour the spirit of IWD, we’ve sat down with a handful of our Aliaxis team across APAC to explore their journeys with respect to diversity and inclusion, and learn from their unique experiences.
As we approach IWD, we hope you enjoy hearing their stories.Here’s some highlights from our chat with Brenda Lee, Moulding Finishing Technician and 2IC at Marley New Zealand.
Interview with Brenda Lee, Moulding Finishing Technician and 2IC at Marley New Zealand.
How long have you been at Aliaxis and what’s your current role?
I started at Marley in July of 2018, so I’m coming up to six years. And my role now is still a finishing operator. Plus, 2IC to the team leader.
Tell me about your journey at Marley.
I actually took a pay cut coming to Marley. It was a risk, but it really paid off. I started as an operator. Since then, I’ve moved up to the 2IC role. My work style is just to be kind to everyone, treat people like I would like to be treated and get stuck into tasks. People naturally come to me for help, and I think management saw that. I did the Flow program last year, that was all about leadership skills. It was very helpful for me because I wanted to work on my confidence. I’m about taking opportunities when they come and making the most of them.
“My work style is just to be kind to everyone. Treat people like I would like to be treated and get stuck into tasks.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Working as a team to achieve our daily goals. And seeing the team put safety first. Our culture from the top down is safety first, then production. Between that, our daily exercises and annual health check-ups, it really feels like Marley cares about our wellbeing.
What personality do you bring to management?
I like to make people feel comfortable, I can naturally get on with anyone. I don’t scold. If I see someone doing something that’s not safe, I’ll say, “I would hate for you to get injured” not “HEY, don’t do that!” How you start an interaction with someone really affects where you end up.
Manufacturing is a largely male-dominated field, have you faced any gender related obstacles, stereotypes, or expectations?
I learned some hard lessons early on. At 15, with no school qualifications, I went to work in a factory where, as a woman, being friendly could be taken the wrong way. It’s in my nature to be friendly, but I got attention I didn’t want from the men and judgement from the women. That experience made me more reserved and protective of myself. I felt I had to hide my personality.
Back in the 90s, when I had two children, I had to leave work because there was no maternity leave. When I returned, I had to start all over at minimum wage. It kept me on minimum wage for a very long time.
Marley has made a promise to support diversity and inspire inclusion, how do you see them fulfilling that promise?
They support cultural diversity by allowing time for all the different celebrations. In terms of gender, it’s on a recruiting and training level. It used to always be men operating the machines, now more women are being trained for that.
“It used to be men operating the machines, now more women are being trained for that.”
What advice would you give to male co-workers wanting to be better allies?
I understand most men aren’t trying to offend, it comes from habit or unconscious bias. But they can do better. Think about what you say, don’t comment on our appearance or what we’re wearing. You may think it’s a compliment, but it’s a bit creepy, and seriously, what does it have to do with work? And please, just use our names.
Why is it important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Well, when it came up this year, somebody said, “Hey, what about International Men’s Day?” I’ve heard that too many times. It makes me think men still need to be educated. Like I said, men aren’t trying to be offensive, and often when they hear stories from a female perspective they’re shocked at what we go through on a daily basis.
“Men aren’t trying to be offensive, and often when they hear stories from a female perspective they’re shocked at what we go through on a daily basis.”
What is something about women and work you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Not to see other women as a threat. To listen to my gut and stay focused on my goals. It’s so easy to get distracted by “outside noise”.
Do you have any advice for someone considering joining the team at Marley?
I’d say go for it. A job at Marley can take you anywhere. If you’re willing to work, success is here for the taking. It helps to know what you’re interested in – sales, QA, manufacturing. There are many departments and ways to grow.
And lastly… what excites you for the future at Marley?
We’ve got an automated packing station coming online soon. It will reduce the amount of manual handling we have to do. Besides that, the company is getting even more into health and safety. They’re looking at ways we can do things better. What’s really exciting is that the team is coming up with their own ideas and bringing them forward.
