Engineering has historically been a male-dominated field, but the increasing inclusion of women has brought about significant progress in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
In the packaging sector, where precision and technology are key, diverse teams contribute to more creative solutions and a greater ability to adapt to market challenges.
Beyond packaging, the presence of women in traditionally male sectors is transforming how projects are designed and managed. It's not just a matter of gender equality, but of recognizing the value diversity brings to any company or organization.
The challenge for women in engineering
Although female participation in engineering has grown over the past decades, barriers still remain. Currently, only 20% of engineering professionals in Spain are women (ICEX). However, recent years have seen a joint effort by universities, companies, and associations to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers among young women.
The challenge is not only to attract more women to these disciplines but also to ensure their professional development under equal conditions. Work-life balance, the visibility of female role models, and access to leadership opportunities remain key aspects in transforming the workplace.
Pioneering women in engineering and packagin
Throughout history, women like Margaret Knight, who invented the machine to manufacture paper bags, have shown that innovation knows no gender. Her invention revolutionized mass production and set a precedent for packaging automation.
Today, many female engineers are leaving their mark on the industrial sector, leading projects in automation, sustainable materials development, and production process optimization. Their role in factory digitalization, AI-powered packaging, and the circular economy is critical to the industry's future.
Beyond representation: Women's impact in engineering and packaging
The advancement of women in engineering and packaging is not just about access to education, but about real opportunities in the workplace. The visibility of women in technical and leadership roles is essential to inspire future generations and prove that talent is not gendered.
Female leadership has proven to be a key factor in strategic decision-making. According to studies, companies with diverse leadership teams are 21% more likely to outperform national profitability averages (Vorecol). Diverse teams offer varied perspectives, enhance problem-solving, and foster creativity in product and process development.
Promoting equal opportunities doesn’t mean displacing anyone, it means expanding the available talent pool and making the most of each individual’s potential. Inclusion benefits the entire industry by encouraging more collaborative, equitable, and efficient work environments.
The industry’s future: More diversity, more innovation
The packaging sector, like many areas of engineering, is constantly evolving. Automation, sustainability, and digitalization are redefining production processes, and diverse teams are becoming a key competitive advantage.
Companies that promote gender equality and diversity not only fulfill a social commitment, but also achieve better results in innovation, efficiency, and market adaptability. Inclusion is not only an ethical value but also a strategy for growth and differentiation.
At INVpack, we believe in talent beyond gender. We support equality in the industry and foster an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Beyond celebrating a single day, we work daily to build a more equitable future, where diversity is a fundamental pillar of progress.
This March 8th, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, visibility, and the development of female talent in engineering and the packaging industry. Because when we bring together all perspectives, we create more innovative and sustainable solutions for the future.
