ABB showcases women’s expertise in STEM fields on Women’s Day

Women’s Day in South Africa, which is observed annually on 9 August, serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey society undertakes toward gender equality. This day seeks to eliminate the root causes of discrimination that still curtail women’s rights in both private and public spheres. Women play crucial roles in driving innovation and development within ABB, contributing to the company’s growth and success in several impactful ways. Here we profile Jacky Mbanga, who heads up Human Resources at ABB Electrification.

Women in leadership positions at ABB help shape the company’s strategic vision and guide its innovation initiatives. They bring diverse perspectives to decision-making processes, fostering an environment that values creativity and forward-thinking. “Our Global Head of HR at ABB is a woman, and she thrives on women empowerment,” says Jacky. For the first time in its history, ABB South Africa has a woman as the Country Holding Office.

ABB’s Global Strategic Focus is to increase women’s representation in leadership roles to 25 % by 2030. “We are currently close to 20%,” reveals Jacky. Women in ABB also champion diversity and inclusion, creating a more inclusive workplace that attracts and retains diverse talent. This diverse workforce is essential to foster creativity and drive innovation.

Female engineers and scientists at ABB contribute significantly to R&D projects, developing new technologies and solutions. Their expertise in various technical fields helps ABB stay at the forefront of innovation in sectors like electrification, robotics, and automation.

ABB showcases women’s expertise in STEM fields across its operations through a variety of initiatives and practices. These efforts not only highlight the contributions of women but also promote a more inclusive and diverse work environment.

ABB supports and promotes internal networks and programmes specifically for women in engineering and technical roles. These programmes provide mentorship, career development opportunities, and networking for female employees. The company offers training and development programs designed to help women advance their careers in STEM fields, including leadership training and technical skill enhancement.

ABB engages in partnerships with educational institutions to promote STEM education among young women. This includes sponsoring scholarships, internships, and educational programmes that encourage female students to pursue STEM careers. It participates in and organises events that focus on women in STEM, providing a platform for female experts to share their knowledge and experiences.

“We do not only see diversity and inclusion as a moral imperative but a business advantage that contributes to the future sustainability of our business. ABB has implemented a variety of initiatives to promote gender diversity within the organisation. These initiatives are designed to create a more inclusive workplace, support the advancement of women, and ensure that diversity is integrated into the company’s culture and operations,” highlights Jacky.

ABB offers flexible work options, including remote work and flexible hours, to assist women in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities and help them remain engaged in their careers. The company provides comprehensive parental leave policies and support for working parents, which can be crucial for women seeking to advance in their careers while managing family responsibilities.