What percentage of Cermaq's workforce is made up of women? What sort of roles do they have?
We have set an aggressive target to increase the number of women in production in the short term and we want to get to 50 percent. We have a way to go to get there, but we are truly committed. Of course, we have higher percentages of women in other areas. Women have a wide variety of roles in our company -- production, technical, executive, financial, management, communication, engagement, administrative and sales to name some.
What does equality mean to you?
Equality means the opportunity and freedom to live, be heard and contribute in a way that reflects your true self and values.
Do you believe aquaculture is a good industry for women to work in?
Yes definitely, it is such a young industry…still. The rules are not as set in the aquaculture business model and the opportunity for social and global innovation is still massive.
This year’s IWD theme is #EachForEqual is about "collective individualism, making change happen through working together". Do you see this in the aquaculture industry, and what opportunities do you see for more of this?
Yes, I see this in the aquaculture industry – collaboration and respecting other's perspectives is needed to drive innovation at the speed we need to feed the planet. We need to work towards more efficient and closed looped systems for society and the planet – the only way to achieve that is to look at larger, interacting systems. This will mean less waste, less impact and hopefully more quality food. Finding shared value in communities, economies and ecosystems is the opportunity.
With over 30 years of business and management experience in the aquaculture sector across several leading salmon farming companies, how has the attitude towards women working in the industry evolved and what can the smaller aquaculture companies learn from the bigger players?
Many women have grown up with the industry, we are the pioneers and have emerged as leaders in our industry. This has created an arena of respect and acceptance for young people, male and female in our industry. Attitudes are changing but more work is to be done to make sure we have an inclusive and enabling environment for young women entering our industry. All our leaders; male and female are working hard to make that happen.
How would you like to see the industry evolve in the future to attract and support the development of women?
Existing women leaders have an obligation to mentor and support upcoming leaders of all genders and I would like to see our industry be a true leader in responsible food production and a leader in supporting all diversity – not just gender diversity. This would attract and retain the most talented people and 51 percent of those talented people are women – right?
Which women have or do still inspire you?
My grandmother inspired me – she had to fight for an education and the right to vote – she raised my father to be a feminist and he raised me to go after my dream and that gave me the confidence to try anything. My daughter still inspires me; she has had to overcome so many challenges in her life – she is the bravest person I know. And of course, my “aquaculture tribe” they know who that are!
What advice do you have for young women out there about to enter the workplace?
The best leaders have compassion and true kindness in their approach -- do not be afraid to feel that or show that. Find mentors and advisors and study success and different approaches and don’t be afraid to copy good ideas. Also, be brave and take risks – you learn from your mistakes. Be trustworthy, always operate with integrity and help others reach their goals. And finally say "thank you".
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This article is part of a series published by IntraFish in collaboration with the Global Salmon Intitiative to mark International Women's Day.
