Empowerment and Diversity: Women at IOI Oleo GmbH share their experiences on International Women’s Day

21. March 2023

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th each year to recognize the achievements of women around the world and draw attention to the challenges they continue to face. At IOI Oleo GmbH, we took this day as an opportunity to interview three of our dedicated and talented female colleagues and to share their experiences and perspectives with you.

Kathleen Wendrich – Head of Human Resources

Kathleen has been with IOI for 13 years and has two children. Her empathetic approach makes her a strong head of human resources.

Kathleen talks about a yoga trainer who motivated her to live more consciously and mindfully in order to better face the daily challenges of combining work and family. Her message to other women is clear: “Do what makes you happy and if you have to take detours or start from scratch, then do so. Today, CVs no longer need to show a straight career path. Personalities are much more important to me.

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

“I have never questioned being able to work full-time in a position of responsibility as a mom. My mother taught me that. In this field of tension, I was particularly inspired by a yoga trainer with whom I spent a yoga week last summer. Since then, I’ve been trying to live more consciously and mindfully and not be so driven by to-dos and everyday life.”

 

Which of your strengths bring you the greatest benefit in your job?

“Definitely my empathy.”

 

What would you wish for on International Women’s Day?

“That it is not necessary to honour women on this day and to emphasize their value in society because it should be self-evident that women and men are equal and have equal rights.”

 

What message would you like to pass on to other women who are interested in your work?

“In general, my advice to everyone would be: Do what makes you happy and if you have to take detours or start from scratch, then do that. Today, CVs no longer need to show a straight career path. Personalities are much more important to me.”

 

What is the best advice you have received from a woman regarding your professional life?

Don’t question whether what you do and how you live is right (just because others judge it) as long as it’s the right way of life for you and your family.

Jette Stech – Apprentice electronics technician for industrial engineering

 

Jette is 17 years old, in her first year of training and a member of the volunteer fire brigade. Despite prejudices against women in technical professions, she bravely decided on her passion and has found her place in the craft.

Jette wants the profession to be equal and emphasizes: “If women have the desire to practise this profession, then they shouldn’t think too long, they should just do it.” She is grateful for the support of her colleagues and encourages other women to do what makes them happy.

Which of your strengths bring you the greatest benefit in your job?

“I worked with my parents on our own house for 5 years and was able to contribute well. This gives me technical knowledge and manual skills, which is useful in my job.”

 

What would you wish for on International Women’s Day?

“Above all, I would wish that it would not always be said that I was “a woman in a man’s profession”. I wish that the profession is equal, that you don’t have to listen to “that’s a woman, she can’t do it”. I’m the only girl at my school, which is sometimes not easy with 17 pubescent boys.”

 

What message would you like to give to other women or girls who are interested in your vocational education?

“If you want to practise this profession, then you shouldn’t think too long, just do it. You should just start and if you don’t like it, you can always change your mind. I am very happy with my choice. I have great colleagues who always help me if I don’t understand something. I feel really good here!”

 

What is the best advice you have received from a woman regarding your professional life?

“My grandmother gave me a very simple piece of advice: If you feel like it, just do it! I wanted to do it, so I did it. It´s not good for us to learn a profession that we won’t enjoy later on. The job is something that accompanies us throughout life and I think you should put prejudices aside and do what you enjoy.”

Nathalie Azuara – Sales Manager Personal Care

Nathalie has been with IOI for 3 years, has 25 years’ experience in the cosmetics industry and is based in Bordeaux, France.

Simone Veil, a French icon in the fight for women’s rights, inspired Nathalie in her life and career. Her strengths, such as courage, determination, honesty and perseverance (and of course being a woman) made her the person she is today. Her message to women interested in Nathalie’s field of work: “The cosmetics industry is one of the fairest areas in terms of gender equality. Join us!

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

Simone Veil is one of my heroines. As a victim of World War II, she managed to stay alive and survive the Auschwitz concentration camp. She wasquite famous in the ‘80s fighting for women’s rights, became part of politics and wrote a book; recently there was a movie based on her life. I became very interested in the life of this icon and collected more information about her. For me she is someone who changed the situation of women. She is a very important person for me.    

 

Which of your strengths bring you the greatest benefit in your job?

Courage and determination, honesty and perseverance. Being a woman (lol)

 

What would you wish for on International Women’s Day?

That women feel free and fulfilled in their private and professional lives.

 

What message would you like to pass on to other women who are interested in your work?

“That the cosmetics industry is one of the fairest industries in terms of gender equality. Join us.”

 

What is the best advice you have received from a woman regarding your professional life?

Believe in yourself. Be strong! Never give up!

 

Who gave you this advice?

It was one of my best friends who knows everything about my professional and private life. She gave me the strength I needed during the most difficult times of my life. She is my confidant and was with me day and night when I was in a very difficult situation. She told me every day “Believe in yourself; never give up; be brave. You will make it”. I was geographically far away from my family at the time and so she was there and thereby saved my life.

Conclusion:

International Women’s Day at IOI Oleo GmbH shows that success, commitment and passion are not gender-specific attributes. Kathleen, Jette and Nathalie are examples of how women can be successful in different roles and areas. Their stories and messages underscore the importance of equality, confidence and courage for all women who want to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.

We are proud of our diverse and talented colleagues and follow the call to create a future in which everyone, regardless of gender, origin or social background, has the same opportunities to exploit their talents and abilities and to realize their dreams. Our stories of Kathleen, Jette and Nathalie should serve as an example of what is possible when we dare to go our own way and stand up for one another.

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Odile Grahl

Odile Grahl is Head of the Marketing department at IOI Oleo GmbH. Following her studies in Law and Business Administration in France, her curiosity led the French native to Germany. Through her willingness to explore new paths and work with different people, and her fascination for customers’ products and needs, Odile gained relevant experience in the areas of BtoB and BtoC in a variety of positions, both in medium-sized structures and international groups (Henkel and Beiersdorf). She finds stimulation in architecture and design and relaxation in painting with acrylics, cooking or yoga…. The world of fragrances has been a special inspiration to her for many years now.