INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2023
#EMBRACE EQUITY
"YOU ARE NOT BORN A WOMAN, YOU BECOME ONE."
SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR
Every year, International Women's Day is celebrated with a certain theme. On March 8, 2023 it reads
#EmbraceEquity. This motto uses powerful symbols to commemorate all the struggles that women still face today
to stand up for their rights.
HANRO products have been manufactured in our Portuguese factory since 1992. Our sewing plant is
one of the largest
employers of "
Women's
jobs" in textiles and clothing in the greater Santa Maria de
Feira area.
On International Women's Day, we would like to pay
tribute
in honor
of the
great work of our
seamstresses.
Every day, they
work
passionately
to
ensure HANRO products are created
uniquely
from
all different
lengths of fabric.
We introduce you to three of our seamstresses who share their experiences, challenges and
highlights.
What does a typical working day look like for you and what do you do in your free time?
My day starts at 6:15. I have breakfast with my son and my parents, then I go to the company where I work for 8 hours. After that I return home where I start my housework. Around 19:00 I either go for a walk or to the pool to relax.
How long have you been working for HANRO and why have you been loyal to HANRO as an employer for so long?
I have been working for the company for 36 years and for the HANRO brand for 32 years. I love what I do. HANRO has given me the opportunity to develop professionally
Can you remember a particular moment in your professional career at HANRO?
What impressed me most was my first visit to the headquarters in Austria. Here I was able to work for a week and learn new things.
Has anything funny ever happened to you at work?
In my 36 year career , mainly with female colleagues, there have always been one or two funny situations. I remember being accidentally locked in the company one evening.
Do you have a female role model?
The person I identify with the most is my mother. She is my confidante and has made me who I am today.
What tips you would give your younger self?
For me, a fair working environment is mutual respect . Is there a particular highlight in your professional career? My personal highlight was the presentation of a bouquet of flowers in recognition o f my work by the production manager on my personal company anniversary.
In the spirit of the motto #Embrace Equity - what constitutes a fair work environment for you, from a woman's point of view?
For me, a fair working environment is mutual respect.
Is there a particular highlight in your professional career?
My personal highlight was the presentation of a bouquet of flowers in recognition of my work by the production manager on my personal company anniversary.
Why are you proud to be a woman?
The fact of being a woman fills me with pride, because I get to be a mother. My son Diogo is my greatest treasure.
What does THIS YEAR'S THEME #Embrace Equity MEAN TO YOU?
I would have liked to study to develop myself personally and professionally. I would also work harder for women's rights, dignity, recognition, and equality.
Which HANRO product do you feel most comfortable in?
My favourite HANRO product is the iconic 'Cotton Seamless' spaghetti top. The quality and comfort speak for themselves.
What has been the greatest experience in all the years you've been working for HANRO?
The invitation from HANRO to the fashion show in Porto has remained special in my memory. It was an unforgettable night to which all the seamstresses from production were invited. For me, that was a great appreciation of our work
Did You know...
International Women
's Day was first initiated by Social Democrat Clara Zetkin on March 19, 1911, in
the fight for equal rights and the right to vote for women.
In 1921, Women's Day was then set for March 8 at Zetkin's request, because on March 8, 1917,
women textile workers
in St. Petersburg had gone on strike under the slogan "Peace and Bread!",
thus making the day globally significant.