Fostering a more inclusive environment through our resource groups

On International Women’s Day we are shining a light on the impact that our female networks have brought to our colleagues across Bekaert. Promoting a culture of inclusivity in our workplace is something that we care deeply about at Bekaert. Driven by our female colleagues globally and throughout the company we have established four Female Resource Groups to date, providing a platform for female talent from diverse levels, backgrounds, and locations to come together to collaborate, and collectively drive positive change. So, we asked some of our female colleagues to share what value these groups bring to them and why they believe they are important.

From sharing their personal journeys, to brainstorming, educational sessions, workshops, cultural celebrations and much more, these networks are real hubs for personal and professional improvement. Reflecting on the positive evolutions made through the years regarding gender diversity, female resource groups align seamlessly with the trajectory Bekaert is pursuing. These networks are dedicated to supporting, educating, and enhancing the well-being and professional growth of female employees while also contributing to our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) goals of Bekaert.

Our Female Resource Groups are present across the globe in countries including China, India, and Vietnam, in addition to a global network, and serve as the catalysts for connection. They offer a powerful platform for women to share their stories, exchange insights, and form bonds that reach beyond their professional interactions. These groups stand as living proof that diversity is not just welcomed, it's embraced and celebrated.

Maggie Zhao, a colleague of ours from China, goes further: “The biggest change I have noticed is that our members got to meet and know many more people, even within one office building! Our network is ‘bottom-up’, self-organized, self-managed, all done by volunteers. Regardless of which team they come from, their title, or their ranks, our female group provides a stage for women to practice leadership, creativity and expanding their personal network”.

A crucial element of our groups is how they support our members and in a world that thrives on collaboration, the strength of our Female Resource Groups lies in the support system they provide. Women from diverse backgrounds find belonging, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to mutual growth. Our members express it better than we could: “I always feel these networking meetings keep me motivated and empowered, with a renewed sense of purpose towards the common vision with which we started this meeting initially” (Soma Das).

These groups represent not only the company's dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion but also a recognition of the invaluable contributions women make to our global workforce. The creation of these networks marked the beginning, giving rise to impactful initiatives such as the establishment of different mentoring programs at Bekaert in 2023. For Isabelle Vander Vekens, getting involved was a must: it’s about personally contributing to breaking the glass ceiling by helping other women overcome boundaries.  

Our Female Resource Groups are not just forums for discussion; at Bekaert we see them as incubators for growth. They nurture the seeds of ambition, provide the water of mentorship, and collectively engage and empower a workforce. As Soma Das says, these networks help women “learn from each other and identify areas for improvement, share ideas and best practices from around the world”. And this happens through mutual support: “I have become a better mentor, and I am now able to counsel younger women who need guidance, advice, and support towards the challenges they face professionally or personally. This has given me a sense of empowerment that I can use to make a positive difference”, adds Soma.

The impact extends beyond professional spheres, influencing personal development, mental well-being, and a holistic approach to life. Hearing other women talking about similar struggles gave Julia Baranova a comforting ‘I am ok’ feeling.  

By fostering open conversations about shared challenges, these groups create a sense of reassurance. Women can find solidarity in knowing that they are not alone in their journeys – a powerful realization that transcends geographical boundaries. Maggie adds, “It’s a big miss if we don’t tap into the potential of female networks.”