Female engineers at C-Capture – developers of world-leading carbon capture technology – are championing the contribution of women in tackling climate change this International Women’s Day (IWD).
C-Capture’s Graduate Process Engineers Anusha Mataghchyan and Claudia Hernandez are participating in the United Nation’s Observance of IWD: ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’. The theme recognizes the contribution of women around the world working within the field of climate change mitigation to build a more sustainable future for all. It highlights the global challenge of advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis, highlighting women and girls as effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Anush Mataghchyan, Graduate Process Engineer, C-Capture, said:
“I come from a background where women have either been disadvantaged by the lack of options they had or have been exploited for their successes. I knew from a young age that financial independence was something to strive for. As I entered adulthood and became more aware of my surroundings, I also learned that the means of achieving that financial independence matters just as much. I realised that doing something that you care about and are proud of is a huge part of the equation.
“I was lucky to move to the UK at a time when the phrase “Women in STEM” was rolling off everyone’s tongues so I felt like I had a place in it. Picking a degree in Chemical Engineering allowed me to explore my options. After five years of studying, I’m happy to say I care about and I am proud of working in CleanTech.
To the girls that are looking to work in this area, just like any other area of STEM or non-STEM, I would like to say ‘You have your place in it. Find it and claim it.
Claudia Hernandez Graduate Process Engineer, C-Capture, said:
“When I went to school, I didn’t have any role models, since all the references I had were men. I realised that when a woman chooses engineering as a career in college, the rest of the people see it as ‘difficult’, ‘alternative’, or ‘worthy of admiration’. It was in my first job as an engineer, in Cetaqua Water Technology Centre, that I met women researchers who brought value to the development and sustainability of the planet, and they inspired me to follow this path.”
I would tell young girls to support and embrace each other, whether it is to pursue a career in STEM or not. In addition, I would encourage them to get in touch with women in the industry to seek advice and guidance – mentoring is both important and useful!
International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
C-Capture design innovative chemical processes for carbon dioxide removal to help mitigate the impacts of climate change. For further information visit www.c-capture.co.uk