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Steps toward gender equality

3/8/2017 9:56 AM CET
Article

What can you do to help women advance in their careers? There are opportunities for all of us to move society forward in this key way, and International Women’s Day – on March 8 – reminds us of that with its #BeBoldForChange theme. Here, some of Skanska’s top leaders share what they are doing to drive gender equality, and what are next steps to be taken.

Skanska is committed to providing more opportunities for women and securing that we are truly inclusive from a gender perspective

Skanska aims to mirror the diversity of society at all levels of our organization by 2020, and essential to that is providing more opportunities for women and securing that we are truly inclusive from a gender perspective. We are making progress: In our organization of about 41,000 employees, women employees increased from 12 percent in 2012 to 17 percent in 2016, and women in the three highest managerial levels has increased from 13 percent in 2012 to 20 percent in 2016. But clearly, we – and our industry – have much work to do.

The International Women’s Day theme of #BeBoldForChange encourages everyone to be a leader in their own lives by taking “groundbreaking action that truly drives the greatest change for women.” Here, four Skanska executives share their insights and actions on helping women move ahead – hopefully their passion for this topic will inspire you.

“I want people to have the careers they want”

For International Women’s Day, Tiina Koppinen, Skanska Finland Executive Vice President, shares insights and actions on helping women move ahead. In her role, she is a member of that Business Unit’s Management Team and is responsible for business in eastern, central and northern Finland.

Learn more about Tiina's insights

“If our industry is to progress, it needs to take gender equality seriously”

For International Women’s Day, Mike Putnam, Skanska UK Business Unit President, shares insights and actions on helping women move ahead. In his role, Mike oversees all aspects of Skanska’s UK business, which is comprised of 5,400 employees.

Learn more about Mike's insights

“We need to continue to change conversations”

For International Women’s Day, Ivette Vanas, Skanska USA Building’s Corporate Senior Vice President of Risk Management, shares insights and actions on helping women move ahead. Ivette is the first female member of that Business Unit’s Senior Leadership Team.

Learn more about Ivette's insights

"Diverse teams expand leadership abilities, and yield better results"

For International Women’s Day, Magnus Persson, Skanska Poland Executive Vice President, shares insights and actions on helping women move ahead. In his role, Magnus oversees building construction and business development. Before that, he was a Regional Manager for Skanska Sweden, and was the inclusion advocate for that Business Unit.

Learn more about Magnus' insights

Why diversity and inclusion?

This video explains why diversity and inclusion are important to Skanska.

Our diversity and inclusion vision and strategy

Skanska aims to mirror the diversity of society on all levels of our organization by 2020.

Learn more about our diversity and inclusion approach

Ensuring sustainable futures

Diversity and inclusion is one of Skanska’s sustainability focus areas.

Explore our sustainability approach