Deconstruct gender prejudices
in the Industry

"To have the strength

of a man to be strong, pushing the boundaries,

defying stereotypes and blazing your own trail"

Anne-Laure, Qualified kitmaker - Cran-Gevrier site, France

"I have always worked in
so-called men's jobs.

Just because you're a woman doesn't mean you can't do that job.

I don't want to be 'protected' because I'm a woman.

I've accepted this job and I'm doing it all the way."

Marie-Noëlle, Storekeeper - Argonay site, France

"In Brazil, the female presence
in the logistics sector is limited

due to the intense physical demands of some roles, such as handling heavy loads,
which can berealized as challenging for some women.

And for me, working in a Logistics Distribution Center is a challenge, as we need
to be agile and make quick and efficient decisions. Today in a team of 30 people,
I am the only woman, and I am respected by the entire team that works with me."

Indaia, Logistics centre - Brazil

"I don't believe in the impossible !

I have taken on the challenge eyes wide open

and with ambition, as I always do in life."

Marcela, Metrology operator - Romania

"My work never compromises the woman I am!

There's not a day when I leave the house without a touch of make-up and two drops of my favourite perfume on my way to work.

A job, whatever it may be, should never cause me to lose my self-care and self-respect!

Tommasa, Operator - Roller grinding sector, Italy

"We are much more accepted because we show them that we can do the same work than men 

20 years ago, when I joined SNR, it was tough for a woman to be part of an all-male environment.
They thought that we wouldn't be able to cope, that we had no strength, no logic, that we were only good for cleaning, looking after the kids and so on.
Today I feel that our company is doing everything it can to integrate us into this predominantly male environment.
A lot of effort has been put into ergonomics. We're better integrated because we can show that we can do the same work as men and we have a sensitivity that can calm down a sector if there's conflict."

Christel, Qualified Maintenance, Metrology and Laboratory Agent - Seynod site, France

"Production plants often seem
dirty and unsuitable for women

But, in fact, I work in a bright, clean, tidy and quiet workshop.
Most of the workstations are suitable. And when there are heavy loads,
hoists are available. Women bring harmony to a workshop".

Jacqueline, Aeronautics production unit manager - Argonay site, France

"Thanks to technological innovations and the 5S methodology, today's factory is a clean, organised and inclusive space

As a woman, when I started working in production at the NTN factory, 12 years ago, it was a challenge, as the majority of workers were men. With technological innovations, implementation of 5S, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), we were able to transform the place into a clean, organized and inclusive space. Working in production is an incredible experience, because step by step we have gained space, working equally, without discrimination."

Valderene, Operator, Brazil 

"Today, technological change is not just about machines and digitisation, but also about production systems and working conditions

My mother was an engineer in a factory, in the R&D team designing military equipment, I am therefore familiar with heavy industry from 25 years ago. Today, technological evolution is not only about sophisticated machines and digitisation, but also about production systems and working conditions, as are the machining lines in my CVJ BU."

Maria, Machining Operator, Romania

"NTN is an example of how a company can create an inclusive and respectful environment for all employees. In my opinion, it is essential to promote a culture without any discrimination

My journey at NTN began when the factory was recently opened in Brazil, so 23 years ago. At that time, we were around twenty employees, and the majority were men. 
But from the beginning, I felt welcomed, everyone from manager to the production team. Until now, I see NTN as a welcoming and easy place to work. 
Over time, as opportunities arose, I progressed within NTN and today I work as a quality technician in the field of metrology, whose statistics are extensively used in this sector. 
NTN is an example of how a company can create an inclusive and respectful environment for all employees. In my opinion, it is essential to promote a culture free of discrimination of any kind."

Jussara, Quality/Metrology Technician, Brazil

"In my opinion, no job or assignment
is reserved for a woman or a man

as long as you enjoy what you do, especially at NTN where there are many internal
career paths and it is possible to discover different areas of the company.
In each team, the diversity of profiles is also a strength, because each person brings
his or her own sensibility and qualities to the service of the team."

Cyrille, Recruitment Manager, Annecy - France

"As a man, the patients I treated
often thought I was a doctor

whereas my female colleagues were basically nurses or care assistants.

We need to look beyond these gender restrictions.
The most important thing is to care for people with empathy, respect and consideration."

Michel, Nurse, Annecy - France

"When you love what you do and what you learn, prejudices are quickly deconstructed.

Ihis prejudice is is starting to be challenged, and according to the scientific sector, it can even be refuted!
It's true that there are still very few women in mechanical engineering, for example, but more and more women are studying bio-medical subjects.
It's important for women to be present in the scientific curriculum, because we can approach and solve problems differently from men, and that can be very complementary. Therefore, diversity is important.
One shouldn't be afraid to embark on a career in these areas, which are so rich in learning.
When you love what you do and what you learn, prejudices are quickly deconstructed!"

Clarisse, Design Engineer - Annecy site, France

"No, destiny, fate or biological predisposition are
in no way responsible for determining a person's future.
The place of women in scientific studies
has never been a subject for me.

Destiny", as in something over which we have no control. No, destiny, fate or biological predisposition are in no way responsible for determining a person's future. The place of women in scientific studies has never been an issue for me. It was a no-brainer: I had to decide what studies I wanted to do, I chose above all what I liked to do without asking myself whether I had the right to do so.  In 2009, I took the scientific baccalaureate, with an engineering science option, specialising in physics. And that was just the beginning of a scientific career that has been so fulfilling and so rich in learning. Today, the theoretical science I learned at school is of great benefit to my technical understanding of the issues I deal with at NTN Europe. But what also makes me strong is everything I'm not a scientist at: originality and creativity acquired through regular practice of the arts, empathy and humour too. You don't have to be a cliché born of common imagination to be a good scientist (a slightly introverted man who tinkers with a car at the weekend), quite the opposite! Love science in all its forms, love any other field too and trust yourself."

Solène, Créa'Lab Manager and Facilitator - Annecy site, France

"When it came to choosing my studies, I didn't ask myself any questions. I loved physics and science.

When it came to choosing my studies, I didn't ask myself any questions. I loved physics and science. So I went for it. There weren't many of us, but things always went well with the teachers and the boys in my class.
The practical work and projects were interesting and we complemented each other in certain skills. After a scientific baccalaureate, with mathematics as an option, I obtained a DUT in Physical Measurements in Montpellier. I was Quality Manager at the Manufacturing Production Unit, Metrology Manager, AQF (Supplier Quality Assurance) and today I'm in charge of Product Industrialisation. With my diverse experience, I can "orchestrate" all the support and ancillary services to bring about the industrialisation of a bearing or modify a bearing."

Marie, Product Industrialisation Manager - Alès site, France

"I've always been passionate about the automotive world, that's why I chose to study mechanical engineering and this career.

I majored in university as a mechanical engineer; there were not many women in the mechanics class.
I've always been passionate about the automotive world, which is why I chose to study mechanical engineering
and pursue this career. Today, I'm part of the international ePowertrain team, whose mission is to support
customers and work closely with them right from the electric axle's design phase."

Elena, Automotive Product Development Engineer, R&D - Technical Centre, Romania

"Having joined NTN in 2014, as the mother of 3 very young children including twins and the beautiful mother of two teenagers,

 I've always had the opportunity to express myself and grow. 9 years later, I'm Marketing and Communications Director for the Aftermarket BU. My life is made up of constant compromises between professional and personal life, but in both cases I'm involved in exciting projects."

Amélie, Marketing and Communication Manager Aftermarket BU - Cran-Gevrier site, France

"Having a child is a big challenge in a woman’s life:

the physical and mental load during the pregnancy and the post-partum phase can be a difficult period and requires an enormous effort to adapt.
This is definitively an extraordinary growth opportunity… being a mother forces to find a new balance in the work/life management and a more efficient time management attitude, and this can be a precious resource even with regard to the openness to wider responsibility at work.
Of course this cannot be a one-way road, as the employer’s role is essential to achieve this situation, for example through flexible working hours, homeworking possibilities, flexibility towards short notice absence... It’s win-win situation, since while doing so the company obtains in exchange a full commitment and an efficient organization by the employee. Within NTN I experienced this flexible approach and this helped a lot to build trust and mutual understanding.
In my case it was not an easy process, far from it, but it was certainly worth, and hopefully this can set a positive example for my children so that they can in turn contribute to a more gender equal society."

Claudia, Sales Manager Southern Europe - Italy (Milan)

"I've been successfully balancing my work at ICSA and my private life for 35 years now, and I'm proud to have brought up two daughters:

one aged 31, a graduate already in the world of work, and the other aged 21, a university student. 
I can confirm that even if you work hard and organise yourself well, you still manage to do everything!"

Claudia M., Assembly Coordinator - Italy (Turin)

"I am proud to be in a leadership position at NTN

a company that has a significant contribution of women in management positions. Being a mother (of two) has not been an obstacle in my professional career, thanks to factors such as work-life balance and remote working, on one hand, I am responsible for my work and my team, and on the other - for my family"

Jessica,Sales Administration Manager - Spain

"Parenting is THE everchallenging job.

My goal is to pass over to her a valuable role model, not a perfect one, but a reference for professional ethics, choice, challenge and ultimately success."

 Ana-Maria, Bearings BU Manager - Romania

"I have been working for NTN for almost 25 years now

and can personally confirm, the preconception that having children is an impediment for
taking over professional responsibility does not apply to NTN reality. 
As a woman in the company, I demonstrate every day that it is possible to successfully combine career and family."

Claudia B., Material purchaser - Germany (Erkrath)

"To be honest, before I became a mother, I thought that having a child might be an obstacle to taking on responsibilities at work.

But becoming a mother has given me important skills, such as time management, organization, empathy, patience and flexible problem-solving. These are invaluable and can make me even more effective in my work. I believe it's possible to find a balance between professional and private life, because in today's world, women take on many roles."

Thaytiane, Marketing Analyst - Brazil

"As a woman and professional in the automotive aftermarket industry, I'm breaking barriers every day. 

With three kids aged 18, 9, and 5, I'm proof that being a parent doesn't hold you back at work. Contrary to stereotypes, parenthood has made me even more capable at my job. Juggling career and family isn't easy, but with good organization and support, it's totally doable. There's a misconception that having kids limits your career, especially for women in male-dominated industries like automotive. But I'm here to say otherwise. By balancing priorities and communicating openly with my employer, I've shown that being a mom doesn't mean sacrificing career goals. Diversity in the workplace isn't just about gender—it's about embracing every aspect of who we are, including parenthood. Let's create a work environment where everyone, regardless of parental status, can thrive. Together, we're shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all, including women who dream of both a career and a family."

Iryna, Automotive Aftermarket Sales Manager Eastern Europe - Poland

"I worked for several years as a sales area manager at NTN. When I became mum, my daily work routine had to change,

as daily travel and repeated hotel stays were no longer feasible. NTN was flexible and offered me the position of Project Manager for Linear Modules. In this position, I can work with flexible hours in the office or home office and combine work and family.”

Sonja, Linear Modules Project Manager - Germany (Bielefeld)