It’s no secret that Ireland is a powerhouse in pharmaceutical production on the global stage. However, key to ensuring this success continues are initiatives aimed at breaking down gender barriers in engineering and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Often stereotyped as a male-dominated field, engineering is witnessing a transformation in Ireland, thanks to initiatives by companies like Ellab. Through their commitment to diversity and inclusivity, Ellab is not only changing the narrative but also opening doors for women to thrive in engineering careers.
Diverse pathways to success
Larissa, a validation engineer with Ellab is a perfect example. Having started out in a quality assurance field in Brazil where she developed skills in validation areas meant that she fit in seamlessly into a validation role with Ellab following a move to Ireland where she describes her role as a truly rewarding experience.
“What I enjoy most about being a validation engineer is the dynamic nature of the work, coupled with the balance between paperwork and executing studies on the field and working at Ellab has been a truly rewarding experience thanks to the supportive and inclusive work environment.”
Larissa’s colleague, Aoife, who is an instrumentation apprentice, echoes these sentiments. “The opportunities within this area are endless and I’m excited to see where I end up within Ellab as we are a global company.” Aoife does have one regret though and that is that she didn’t start sooner. She wishes that information about such roles had been more available to her in school.
This is something Ellab’s HR manager in Ireland Aoife Keaney is very keen to address. “Acknowledging the historically male-dominated nature of our industry, we proactively engage with local schools each year to introduce ourselves and our industry to fifth year and Leaving Certificate students, especially female students.”
Recognising the under-representation of women in engineering roles, Ellab places a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for female professionals to thrive within the company through mentorship, and leadership development opportunities. They actively support women in various facets of the workplace, including progressive family and maternity policies, flexible working arrangements, and ensuring equal pay.
Championing diversity
At the heart of Ellab Ireland's mission lies a commitment to championing diversity and empowering women in engineering. Through their proactive engagement with local schools and robust support mechanisms, Ellab is not merely opening doors but also paving the way for a more equitable future.
By fostering a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect, Ellab ensures that every individual, regardless of gender, feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. The stories of women like Aoife and Larissa exemplify the diverse pathways to success in engineering.
As Ireland continues to solidify its position as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, the role of women in engineering becomes even more pivotal.
By breaking barriers and fostering a supportive environment, companies like Ellab are not only ensuring gender diversity but also driving innovation and excellence in the industry. With each step forward, women in engineering are rewriting the narrative, proving that gender is no barrier to success.