"Women Have Every Opportunity to Develop Their Careers in the Metal Sector"

More and more women are venturing into the metal sector. Mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and labourers, among others, are advancing from the ground up and are almost on par with men in specialised technical and managerial positions. A significant example of this female advancement in a highly male-dominated sector is that, for the first time, the Federation of Metal Entrepreneurs of the Province of Alicante (FEMPA) has a female General Secretary, Rosa Sánchez, who encourages young women to join a sector with nearly 100% employability, open to entrepreneurship and increasingly innovative and technological. "Girls' only role models cannot be princesses," Sánchez explains, acknowledging that there is still much progress to be made despite advances in education.

"What is the situation of women in the metal sector in Alicante?"

There is still a long way to go, as metal trades remain heavily male-dominated, especially in entry-level positions such as plumbing, labouring, electrical installation, or air conditioning. At these levels, female presence is still very limited. However, as specialisation increases, women's representation grows proportionally, reaching parity or even majority in some areas, particularly in commercial management and administration. In engineering, female presence has been increasing, and in sectors like new technologies and robotics, it is now common to find women in these roles.

"How does FEMPA work to promote the recognition of women in the sector?"

We do this through training, an area where we are particularly active. We always seek to include women in selection processes, especially in trade courses. However, female participation remains low, as applications reflect the reality of the sector. Nevertheless, we continue to work to encourage their access, both from our vocational training school and in collaboration with schools, where we conduct sessions to highlight that these jobs are also an option for women. Additionally, whenever a female student in the industrial branch or a businesswoman in the sector achieves a significant milestone, we ensure to share their story. Our goal is to highlight these success stories to inspire other women, demonstrate that there are opportunities in the sector, and create role models that help change perceptions about female presence in these fields.

"How do you think these stereotypes can be broken and attract more women?"

It is essential to give visibility to success stories so that girls and young women have real role models to inspire them. We cannot allow girls' only references to be princesses, because, although we have made significant progress in education for equality, stereotypes that limit their aspirations still persist. While most children today grow up in a more equitable environment, as a society, we still have a way to go. From our area of action, the best way to contribute is precisely by making these role models visible. It is crucial for a girl to see a young woman repairing a car or working in a workshop as completely natural, because such examples are still rare. Therefore, our focus begins at the base level. Often, emphasis is placed on female executives or entrepreneurs, which is important, but not all will directly reach those positions. If we want more women in leadership roles in the future, we must first ensure they have opportunities at the initial levels of the sector. It is from there that future executives and businesswomen emerge.

"Can the digital transformation of the sector facilitate greater inclusion of women in these trades?"

Undoubtedly. Many trades are evolving, and in some, the main barrier for women has been more psychological than real, especially due to the perception of excessive physical effort. It is not that they cannot perform these jobs, but that they often do not see themselves in them. However, digital transformation has completely changed this reality. Tasks that once required great physical strength are now increasingly automated, and when not possible, there are tools and support equipment that make the work easier. Although, in general, men may have more brute strength, that does not mean physical effort should be the central criterion for performing a profession. Overexertion is harmful to anyone, regardless of gender, and today occupational risk prevention plays a key role. The way of working must adapt to minimise physical demands, ensuring optimal conditions for both men and women.

"What opportunities are emerging in the mental sector thanks to digitalisation?"

In the field of digitalisation and technological skills, female presence is advancing at a pace that could surpass that of males. At least, that is the trend we observe in classrooms.

"And is that being motivated by FEMPA?"

I believe we are witnessing a societal change. New technologies do not pose barriers for women, facilitating their access and participation. Moreover, in this field, there are already numerous female role models, inspiring more young women to enter these disciplines and continue expanding their presence in the sector.

"How does shared responsibility at home and work influence the inclusion and retention of women in the metal sector?"

The influence on this issue is similar to what is observed in other sectors. However, in this field, there is still a long way to go, and it is unfair that the burden of care falls predominantly on women within families. In the workplace, beyond raising awareness, little can be done. The priority, of course, remains family care. I believe society still needs to mature a bit more to achieve effective shared responsibility. Until we can speak of full shared responsibility, we will continue to face problems related to the integration of women into the workforce as a whole, regardless of discipline or sector. This remains a significant barrier, and much work remains to be done.

"What actions should be promoted by companies and institutions in favour of shared responsibility?"

From companies, measures implemented through equality plans, for example, play a fundamental role. If we manage to instil the importance of shared responsibility in adults already part of the workforce, they will convey that message in their family environment. Companies have a key responsibility in driving this change that we all must make as a society. It is essential to continue promoting dissemination, informing our staff, and, above all, taking advantage of the tools provided by equality plans, which are becoming an effective tool to support the change we are immersed in.

"What other factors could be decisive in achieving more equity in the metal sector?"

Promoting female entrepreneurship in our sector could be key. Entrepreneurship presents an excellent way to carve out space in this field. If companies do not offer the necessary job opportunities, perhaps self-employment and entrepreneurial initiative are the answer.

"What is your message to young women interested in this sector who are unsure if it could be a good career option for them?"

The message is clear: there is a widespread shortage of labour, especially in our trades. This is a sector with a promising future, almost 100% employability, where research and innovation play a fundamental role. It is a constantly evolving field where a woman has every opportunity to develop her professional career.