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Work-life balance has been key to really enjoying my work and feeling fulfilled in my life outside of work. In positions of great responsibility, it's easy to fall into the trap of letting work define who you are, but I've learned that work is just one part of our identity. Setting clear boundaries between work hours and personal time has been essential to maintaining this balance. Delegating when necessary, prioritizing self-care and knowing how to disconnect allow me to be more present in both areas of my life. My advice to women who aspire to leadership positions is to seek that balance, not only for their well-being, but because when we are at ease with ourselves, we are more effective in all areas of our lives.

 

 

Believe in your abilities and don't be discouraged. Network, seek mentors and stand up for your goals, you deserve to be seen and heard, believe in yourself and not in the image you have been given.

To continue to foster gender equality, I believe it is important to maintain this merit-based culture while ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and support they need to develop their career. Whether through mentoring, leadership training or simply encouraging open conversations about growth, we can continue to create a workplace where talent and effort define success.

 

 

As for invisible barriers, I personally do not see them as a limiting factor in our company. Of course, there may be prejudices in society, but in our workplace, if someone is proactive and has initiative, nothing prevents them from reaching leadership positions. Ultimately, the best way to continue to drive equality is to ensure that we continue to provide opportunities based on performance and potential, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, feels empowered to grow. I am proud to be part of a company that truly values fairness, where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed based on their abilities, dedication and ambition.

 

 

In the business environment, positive discrimination is a useful tool to correct historical inequalities and ensure equal opportunities. It is not about granting unjustified advantages, but about ensuring that women have equal access to leadership and career development positions, since, on equal merit, they still face invisible barriers. Progress towards a more just society is not the sole responsibility of women. It is a shared challenge in which men and women must work together to build spaces where talent and effort are the real drivers of professional growth.

 

 

Closing the gender gap is not an option, but a business necessity. To achieve this, companies must adopt a comprehensive approach that combines structural policies with real cultural transformation. Gender equity must be measurable, with clear objectives, tracking metrics and accountability at all levels. It is not enough to consider it an external obligation; equality must be assumed as a strategic pillar for growth, competitiveness and sustainability. Only in this way will we build more innovative, stronger and fairer companies.

 

Deborah Belho (Assistant General Manager at Bergner India)

Are there specific challenges that women face in the business world in India, and how can they be overcome?

In India, women in leadership positions are making significant strides, but we still face challenges such as unconscious biases that sometimes make people question our authority. While the number of working women has increased (including at Bergner India over the past year), there is still a long way to go for more women to reach leadership roles. Having strong mentors and sponsors can make a big difference, and companies can help by creating leadership programs, recognizing talent fairly, and ensuring diverse voices are heard at the table.

At the same time, today’s workplaces need more empathy, especially toward younger professionals who often struggle with mental health issues and burnout. Work-life balance is another crucial factor, as many women not only manage their careers but also take care of their homes and raise children. Companies that offer flexibility, supportive policies, and a culture that respects personal time can help both women and men succeed at work and at home. Leadership is not just about reaching the top—it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.

What message would you like to share with Bergner women around the world on this International Women’s Day?

To all the Bergner women around the world: whether you are leading teams, managing projects, balancing work and family, or breaking barriers in your own way, your efforts matter and make a difference. Today serves as a reminder that we are not alone. We are part of a global community of strong, talented women shaping the future, step by step.

There is a common misconception that women don’t support each other or that it’s harder to work with female bosses. But let me tell you from experience—that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible female leaders who were just as strong, capable, and strategic as any other leader, but what set them apart was their empathy. Their support and encouragement pushed me to be better every day. And that’s the kind of leadership we should celebrate—the kind that uplifts, inspires, and opens doors for others.

Happy International Women’s Day!

 

Francesca Serrani (Head of Marketing at Bergner Italy)

Do you think corporate quotas are an effective tool to promote equality?

From a professional standpoint, women’s progress in recent years has been remarkable. Today, we can celebrate the fact that women’s access to higher education in Italy was not institutionalized until the second half of the 19th century, and that in the first half of the 20th century, even though women had the academic qualifications to become lawyers or judges, they were not allowed to practice these professions.

But have we truly reached equality?

Until the end of World War II, women in Italy couldn’t even take legal action because they didn’t have “legal personality,” meaning they didn’t enjoy the same political and civil rights as men. After the war, with voting rights and the first universal suffrage elections, we began the path toward equality. However, real change didn’t happen until the 1960s and 1970s. A key step was taken in 1960 when Italy eliminated different pay scales for men and women in national work contracts. An even more significant step came in 1977, when the principle of workplace equality was established: women, by law, could not be penalized in terms of hiring, salaries, job classifications, or career progression simply because of their gender. In 1991, a Committee for Equal Opportunities was also established within the Ministry of Labor.

Despite these achievements, women’s position in the workforce remains far from satisfactory. For the same qualifications, women are less likely to be employed, have more precarious jobs, and earn less than men. According to recent research, Italian women earn 25% less than men and remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Only 13% of managers are women. Despite all the legal frameworks in place, women continue to face discrimination. Very few reach significant leadership roles, and even fewer make it to the top. This is the so-called "glass ceiling"—an invisible yet highly resistant barrier preventing women from accessing positions of power.

The term "glass ceiling" was first used in 1986 in a Wall Street Journal article, and it quickly became popular. Perhaps because it perfectly captures the reality for many women. On the surface, there are no obstacles—women, in theory, can have the same aspirations as men. Whether in business, politics, academia, or other professional fields, nothing should prevent women from advancing. They are no longer confined to the ground floor with no access to upper levels. Yet, the barrier remains. The higher they try to climb, the more invisible obstacles they encounter. Women must work much harder than men to reach the same economic and professional status. And often, even that is not enough, as men continue to view them as "unauthorized" and, therefore, incapable of assuming leadership roles.

One widely discussed solution is the implementation of "affirmative action" policies, such as gender quotas. The idea is simple: to counteract existing discrimination, temporary "positive discrimination" measures would favor women, allowing them to advance in specific sectors (whether in professions or politics) and achieve genuine equal opportunities. The classic example is electoral laws that require political parties to include at least one-third female candidates. But is it really necessary to "discriminate" in order to "equalize"? And more importantly, does imposing quotas truly lead to effective equality?

While I acknowledge the administrative, economic, and social obstacles preventing full gender equality, I’m not entirely convinced that "positive discrimination" is the best solution. Merely including women in quotas doesn’t necessarily solve their real challenges. In fact, it risks confusing "quantity" with "quality"—formally fulfilling equality requirements without addressing the deeper, everyday realities. Interestingly, in Scandinavian countries—often cited as models for gender quotas—the real breakthrough for women’s political representation occurred in the 1970s, long before quotas were introduced, when societal attitudes had already shifted.

What message would you give to future generations of women starting their careers?

As Montesquieu explained in 1748, if you want to change a society’s customs and behaviors, the best way is not to change laws first but to act on the social level and only then modify laws accordingly.

The real fight for Italian women today is about changing attitudes, not just legal frameworks. Women’s emancipation hasn’t reached full balance because men, for the most part, are reluctant to give up their privileges. Even when men are willing to share domestic responsibilities, their commitment is often sporadic and insufficient.

Women still carry most of the burden of childcare. Society does not provide sufficient support structures (such as daycare centers with working-mother-friendly hours) to make daily life easier.

Achieving gender equality isn’t just about laws—it’s about changing mindsets. If women continue to accept "double shifts" without fighting back, if they don’t build strong networks to challenge traditional male perspectives, no law will be enough to break the glass ceiling.

The freedom won in the 1960s and 1970s is no longer enough. To make it effective and achieve true equality, we must rediscover the power of solidarity.

 

Sharon Guan (HR Manager at Bergner China)

How do you perceive the evolution of women in the workplace in China in recent years?

In recent years, the role of Chinese women in the workplace has changed significantly. In the past, many believed women were best suited for easy, stable jobs, such as clerical positions. But today, things are different. More and more women are demonstrating their powerful skills across various fields. In the tech industry, we see many female programmers and engineers. In finance, there are numerous female executives. Even in traditionally male-dominated fields such as heavy industry and construction, women are increasingly present.

What thoughts would you like to share with your colleagues about teamwork and inclusion?

I want to tell my colleagues that our team’s achievements are the result of everyone’s cooperation. Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses. Like a puzzle, only by combining each individual's strengths can we complete a beautiful picture. For example, some colleagues are great at communication, while others excel in technology. Only by working together can we successfully complete our project.

Moreover, we should be open-minded and tolerant of different ideas and work methods. Perhaps a new idea from someone else could solve a problem that has been troubling us for a long time. Therefore, we should all communicate more and understand each other better. In this way, our team will continue to improve, and we will be happier at work.

 

If you could send a message to your past self, what advice would you give?

Pilar Gómez de Segura
Enjoy every stage of your career. Learn, make mistakes, grow, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. Don’t be afraid to dream big and chase what you truly desire. The key is to work with passion without compromising your values, always stay curious, and never limit your own potential.

Mihaela Matei
Believe in yourself, even when you feel uncertain. Speak up, take risks, and trust that you deserve to be in every space you enter. Success is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about growing, learning, and staying true to your values. Surround yourself with inspiring people and don’t be afraid to ask for or offer help. Your voice matters, and you deserve every opportunity that comes your way.

Marjorie Nuñez
Even if you are ambitious and strive for perfection, remember that your career is only a part of your life, not your entire identity. Build a balanced and fulfilling life, take care of your health, exercise, eat well, and pursue what truly excites you, not just what looks good on paper. Success will come, but it should be on your own terms.

Isabel König
Stay true to yourself and make sure that everything you do brings you happiness.

Natalie Davitashvili
Opportunities come to those who seek them. Take risks, be proactive, and trust in your abilities. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. Stand by your convictions but stay open to learning; sometimes, the path you envision isn’t the one that leads you to something even greater.

Izar Villegas
This is a unique moment to learn and discover your potential. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or explore new ideas. Trust in your talent without fear, your voice is valuable and deserves to be heard with determination and respect. Never stop learning or working; independence and professional growth are the foundation of a fulfilling life.

Deborah Belho
Your career is only one part of your life, not your entire identity. Build a balanced life, take care of your health, exercise, and pursue what truly excites you, not just what looks good on your résumé. Success will come, but on your own terms.

Francesca Serrani
RE-BEL-LION. But please, don’t misunderstand me… Start by not accepting inappropriate words or attitudes. As a linguistics expert, understand that for every gender gap, there is a linguistic framework that supports it. Defend your worth and never allow yourself to be diminished.

Sharon Guan
Embrace imperfection, making mistakes is an essential part of growth. Value human connections because work is not just about completing tasks; it’s about building relationships of trust. Protect your energy, set boundaries, and make time for what truly matters. Invest in broad skills and maintain a healthy lifestyle.