For International Women’s Day, recognized on March 8 around the world, we honor the women of Electrolux Group by sharing five colleagues’ perspectives on empowerment and its impact on their lives and careers.
The United Nation’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 calls for the advancement of women and girls’ equal opportunity and rights by fostering empowerment and redefining power structures that ensure inclusive access to education, employment, leadership, and decision-making.
As we create an inclusive work environment for everyone at Electrolux Group, we also empower women and strengthen our organization and business.
Meet five employees across different organizational areas and roles — all women — and learn how empowerment impacts their lives and work at Electrolux Group.
Regiane Siqueira, Logistics Supervisor at Água Vermelha Warehouse, BA Latin America
How do you define empowerment?
I define empowerment as self-awareness of your skills and abilities so that you can always present yourself as a respected equal.
Can you tell us about a situation or moment at work when you felt empowered?
Leading one of the largest Distribution Centers within Electrolux Group, we delivered fantastic results connected to our strategy in 2024, a historic year for Electrolux Group and not short of challenges. It is empowering to understand that we can overcome obstacles, including discouraging assumptions about gender that are placed upon us.
What do you think women could do more often to empower other women and girls?
Encourage self-confidence and help develop the skills that are unique to each person. Set clear goals and give autonomy to independent choices and careers. Reaffirm women again and again, so that they can reach as high as they want — with transparency, authenticity, professionalism and love for what they do. Set an example and show younger, less experienced women that our dreams and challenges do not diminish us as professionals. On the contrary, they give us strength and channel our determination so that we can fight for our goals.
Rachel Jiang, Development Engineer, Wellbeing & SDA, TDS, BA Europe APMEA
How do you define empowerment?
Empowerment is when you feel free to participate in decision-making and manage your own work life. Another element of empowerment is when you feel you can cope with a challenge by learning, and you have access to the resources you need. I believe the points above relate directly to our ability to achieve goals and respond effectively to obstacles.
Can you tell us about a situation or moment at work when you felt empowered?
I picked a career path I was interested in after I graduated, and this was because I felt empowered. I also feel empowered every time I learn a new skill. And I feel empowered when I am recognized and appreciated by my colleagues for my work — and whenever we support one another.
What do you think women could do more often to empower other women and girls?
Resource sharing is empowering, advocacy of equality is empowering, and listening to and respecting one another is empowering. Whenever we break gender stereotypes, we help other women and girls grow. There is always a positive effect, even if you don’t witness it.
Kelly Hubbell, EMS Manager at Springfield, BA North America
How do you define empowerment?
I define empowerment as the freedom and opportunity to make decisions based on my experience and knowledge, and having those decisions fully supported by my team and my leadership.
Can you tell us about a situation or time at work when you felt empowered?
My manager empowers me every day by allowing me to lead and set the cadence of our daily factory leadership meetings. In addition, in my current role, I’m trying to change the culture of the factory to ensure that our Electrolux Manufacturing System (EMS) is at the forefront of everything we do. Seeing all the improvements made throughout the factory and the support I’ve been given over the last year has empowered me to keep developing new ways to challenge myself, my team and the factory, so that we continue progressing on our EMS journey.
What do you think women could do more to empower other women and girls?
If you are in a leadership role, simply give women the opportunity to speak up and voice their ideas. Show them that you want to give them the space to do this. Women have not always felt that they could be outspoken, so encouraging them and giving them opportunities to speak up builds confidence and highlights their unique ideas and many accomplishments.
Sabrina Gunnarsson, VP Finance for Digital, Technology and Sustainability, Stockholm
How do you define empowerment?
For me, empowerment in the workplace occurs when you are encouraged to be confident, take charge and make decisions. Essentially, to unfold your full potential. Of course, this is a win for both the individual and the company.
Can you tell us about a situation or time at work when you felt empowered?
Early in my career, I was assigned to lead a global finance project with many different stakeholders and interests. My manager’s confidence in me seemed to outweigh my own, and this meant I had to step up and step out of my comfort zone. I succeeded in the end and will be forever grateful to my manager for the opportunity and growth this gave me.
What do you think women could do more to empower other women and girls?
I believe that we need to foster an even stronger culture of encouragement and collaboration. And if you notice a female colleague who seems to lack empowerment, speak to her and offer her support, or talk to her about getting the development she longs for through available courses, training and coaching. There are so many ways to develop yourself at Electrolux Group, but sometimes we all need a supportive nudge.
Marie Huynh, Strategic Governance Lead, PT, Technology, Digital & Sustainability (TDS), Stockholm
How do you define empowerment?
Empowerment involves many aspects, of course. However, a key aspect for me is having the freedom and confidence to explore new opportunities. When we are allowed to learn through experience, we develop strength in knowing that failure is both acceptable and an essential part of any journey of growth.
Can you tell us about a situation or time at work when you felt empowered?
A recent example of a time when I felt empowered was when I stepped into the field of sustainability and governance last year. These were relatively new areas for me, but I was entrusted with the opportunity to learn, adapt and contribute quickly. Despite some initial trial and error, I was allowed to navigate my new challenge, which not only helped me grow but also strengthened my ability to manage uncertainties.
What do you think women could do more to empower other women and girls?
Women can empower other women, and even girls, by creating spaces and opportunities for growth and learning. This can be done by fostering supportive environments, encouraging one another to take on new challenges with confidence and offering mentorship opportunities.
