Organized by the United Nations, International Women’s Day falls on 8 March in 2023, and is a chance to recognize the achievements of women and raise awareness of the need for parity. This year’s edition focuses on women and technology, under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”
At Diehl Metering, we believe strongly in equality. “We promote our employees regardless of gender, origin or nationality,” explains Claudia Keller, VP People Management. “Every employee is unique and has the same opportunities to develop in line with their preferences and capabilities.” Furthermore, as a signatory of the UN Global Compact, our company seeks to empower women in line with the fifth of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
To mark the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, Sigrid Heubeck, our Head of Enterprise Resource Planning, tells us how she has shaped a successful 40-year career in technology at Diehl Metering – and why women should feel empowered by technology.
How did you begin working in technology at Diehl Metering?
I started with the company in a commercial position in 1981. Three years later, I was involved in creating our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). It was the very beginning of ERP, so I had the chance to build up processes and new implementations over time. Back then, the concept of IT didn’t exist but I always liked numbers and was naturally attracted to computer science.
What opportunities were you given to build your career?
I’ve been lucky to always have a very encouraging manager in the IT department. He always supported me, especially when it came to flexible working hours. When I became a mother 28 years ago, I was given a lot of flexibility with how and when I worked. Looking back, I was often the only woman at technical training sessions and conventions, but I never felt I was being judged because of my gender. My success also owes a lot to the support of my family.
What has changed since you began your career?
Digitalization has changed a lot for all of us. I think technology empowers women and helps us to find a better work-life balance. Today, both men and women can work remotely from home, and that makes it easier for couples to share domestic tasks like looking after children. And, at Diehl Metering, my Enterprise Application team now has lots of women. In IT, more than the half our Line Managers are women, and all our teams worldwide include women technicians. I’m certainly no longer the only woman work in IT!