On Saturday (March 8), International Women's Day, Braskem, a global petrochemical company that develops sustainable chemical and plastic solutions to improve people’s lives, highlights the importance of gender equity and the promotion of female leadership in the chemical industry. In Duque de Caxias, the company has been implementing initiatives to increase the participation of women in leadership positions, reinforcing its commitment to a more inclusive and diverse environment.

Verônica Ferreira da Silva, one of the first women to hold a leadership position at Braskem's Rio de Janeiro unit, acknowledges the challenges she has faced throughout her career and the importance of paving the way for other professionals in the sector. “My biggest challenge as a leader was balancing personal and professional life. Being a mother, wife, daughter, and leader requires emotional intelligence and discipline to manage these roles. Additionally, leading in a predominantly male environment, with a rotating shift schedule, made this journey even more challenging,” she highlights.

Despite the obstacles, Verônica has observed significant progress in female representation within the chemical industry. “The sector is still predominantly male, but changes are happening. In Duque de Caxias, a site historically known for a higher female presence, women represent 13% of the production workforce. Over my 22 years in the industry, I have noticed important progress, especially in operational roles, making the environment more attractive to new female professionals,” she states.

Achieving a leadership position was a milestone not only in her career but also for the company. “Taking on this role made me realize the impact it had on other women. Initially, I saw my career progression as something natural, without considering the fact that I was the first woman in this position. But when I noticed the admiration and inspiration it generated among my colleagues, I understood the significance of this achievement,” Verônica recalls.

Braskem has adopted affirmative policies to promote diversity and inclusion in the corporate environment. “The company not only supports this cause but also establishes goals and metrics to ensure concrete progress. There is still a long way to go, but we are already seeing improvements in organizational culture and respect within the workplace,” Verônica emphasizes.

For women looking to advance their careers in the industry, Verônica offers advice: “Take charge of your own journey, believe in your potential, and always strive to be prepared. Leadership positions should be filled by the most qualified professionals, regardless of gender. Skills such as clear communication, emotional intelligence, and empathy are essential for strong leadership.”

With examples like Verônica’s, Braskem reinforces its commitment to a more diverse and equal future, encouraging more women to claim their space and transform the reality of the chemical industry.

About Braskem

Braskem is a global, people-oriented petrochemical company with a future-focused vision that fosters strong relationships and creates value for all. Offering sustainable chemical and plastic solutions to improve people’s lives, the company provides a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for various industries, including food packaging, construction, industrial applications, automotive, agribusiness, healthcare, and hygiene, among others.

Braskem believes that disruptive innovation is the only viable path to redefining humanity’s relationship with the planet. Therefore, it actively promotes plastic circularity and drives the revolution of bio-based materials. With 40 industrial units across Brazil, the U.S., Mexico, and Germany, the company exports its products to clients in more than 71 countries. Its 8,500 employees worldwide operate under a management model that demonstrates a strong commitment to ethics, compliance, and fair competition in all markets.

For more information, visit: https://www.braskem.com.br