Engineering stories: Inspiring journeys of women at PET Technologies

Let’s face it: engineering is still often seen as a male-dominated territory. But guess what? Women have been breaking barriers and shattering ceilings for decades in engineering and STEM careers! Today we’d like to invite you to dive into the inspiring world of women in engineering together with PET Technologies.

Recent data shows that women now make up nearly 20% of engineering students worldwide—a statistic supported by a report from UNESCO on gender equality in STEM fields—a significant leap from past decades. This progress aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), which emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in every sector, including those traditionally dominated by men.

At PET Technologies, women engineers are not only breaking stereotypes but also driving innovation and contributing to a more equitable future. Currently, 32.5% of technical positions at PET Technologies are held by women, reflecting the company's commitment to gender diversity in the workplace.

About 32.5% of technical positions at PET Technologies are held by women (Source: PET Technologies)

Choosing the path less traveled

The path to engineering often begins with a spark of curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. For many women at PET Technologies, their journey was shaped by their love for mathematics and physics. “Since childhood it felt empowering for me to understand how this world is build thanks to physics,” explained Maiia Movchan, design engineer. Others, like Nadiia Hora, were dreamt about a polytechnic university inspired by role model – her father in this case.

And for some, the path to engineering was an unexpected turn of fate. Our engineer Nina Hurinova, for example, shared how she initially enrolled in a technical program simply to accompany a friend. Reflecting on that decision, she said, “That chance decision defined my destiny, and I am truly grateful for it.” She added that since we spend about a third of our lives at work, finding a fulfilling career is essential. With 54 years of experience, Nina remarked, “This profession has never felt like a burden.”

Challenges faced by women engineers

The field of engineering, while a hub of innovation and creativity, has historically seen a disproportionate representation of women. Although strides have been made toward better inclusivity, many challenges persist. Women engineers often navigate a complex landscape characterized by both implicit and explicit biases. For instance, Kateryna Murza, comments that engineer’s position at PET Technologies is her first work on a speciality. Before she faced a lot of refusals being a young woman in this «men’s world».

Studies such as the "Women in STEM" report by the National Science Foundation, supports these experiences, revealing that women often encounter systemic barriers. Skepticism or lack of encouragement from family and friends can also become significant hurdles. A lot of women mentioned that some friends didn’t understand their choiсe while others «considered it to be a heroic feat», says Kseniia Palii.

One of our engineers shared how her parents initially tried to dissuade her from pursuing a technical career, warning her about the challenges and expressing concern for daughter’s future. However, over time, as they saw her dedication and achievements, their pride became a profound source of motivation for her. “It pushed me to show what I was capable of,” she said, reflecting on how it ultimately strengthened her resolve and fueled her success.

Today these women resilience shines through and by sharing their stories, PET Technologies’ female engineers aim to inspire others to overcome similar challenges.

The thrill of engineering

What drives women to thrive in engineering?

For many, it’s the thrill of solving complex problems and seeing their efforts come to life. “One of the brightest moments is to see how your 3D plan come to real” Maiia shared. Others highlighted the joy of collaborating with diverse teams to create sustainable solutions.

What sets engineering apart, they say, is its endless variety—a field where monotony has no room. “Every day brings a new challenge, like piecing together a unique puzzle,” noted Liubov Dzyhman. This diversity not only keeps the work dynamic but also ensures continual personal growth. “Being surrounded by intelligent and talented colleagues is another source of inspiration”, a process engineer Olha Bukhovets reflected.

The influence of engineering extends far beyond the workplace. PET Technologies’ engineers shared how their skills enhance their personal and professional lives. Maiia described using her mechanical knowledge to repair the kitchen hood, while Olha even admitted, “I can’t imagine being with my husband if he didn’t have a technical education. It’s such an integral part of how we connect and understand each other.”

Conclusion

The stories of women at PET Technologies prove that skills and ideas know no gender. Their experiences highlight how important it is to foster gender equality in engineering today — it’s more than just a goal; it's a necessity.

As we move forward, it’s essential to continue supporting and promoting gender diversity within STEM. Together, we can build a world where anyone with passion and talent, regardless of gender, can contribute fabulously to the ever-evolving engineering landscape and realize their potential.