08.12.2023 - Aluminium Association

Irina Kazovskaya, Chairperson of the Aluminium Association, participated in the panel discussion Women’s Leadership as a Tool for Building the Future Workplace, held at the 27th Health, Safety & Environment International Expo and Forum. The guests discussed working conditions and gender equality, women’s business, and the role of women in Russia's economic, international, social, and cultural life. The session speakers included Maria Zakharova, Director of the Department of International Information, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Tatiana Mineeva, Business Ombudsman; Anna Nesterova, Chair of the Russian section of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance; Gunay Abilova, Director of the BRICS+ International School, and others.

Irina Kazovskaya reminded that since its establishment in 2015, the Aluminium Association’s primary objective has been the creation and promotion of new high-technology products, exploration of new markets, and expansion of production capacities. Metallurgy is traditionally seen as a male-dominated field. For instance, in RUSAL, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, women make up 20% of the blue-collar workforce, 55% of the white-collar workers, and 18% of the management. However, these figures are increasing year to year. Women’s leadership is not about competing for dominance, but about expanding development opportunities for any company and industry. This is the foundation of the society’s economic and social stability. In many ways, women are creators focused on preserving and enhancing corporate efficiency. Women perform a significant amount of meticulous, often routine work requiring attention to detail.

"We live in Russia, where gender does not overshadow professionalism, experience, and competence, and everyone can succeed in their chosen field. Companies with women in top management are destined for success", noted Irina Kazovskaya.