At Evos, we believe that inclusivity and diversity are not just values but essential drivers of progress. We are committed to breaking barriers and fostering an environment where everyone – regardless of gender – has equal opportunities to grow, lead and succeed.
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 is an important occasion to recognise the contributions of women, highlight achievements and acknowledge the challenges that remain. To mark this day, we spoke with six inspiring women at Evos, each representing different roles and locations across our company.
They shared their experiences, reflections and perspectives on gender diversity, offering insights into how far we have come and the work that still lies ahead.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you and why is it important to celebrate it?
For Anicar Brus, Head of Procurement, International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration – it is a reminder of the ongoing pursuit for inclusion, equality and women’s rights. “It reminds me, and many other women, that we are not alone in our beliefs about a more just and equitable world, both in the workplace and in society. Celebrating IWD keeps these conversations alive, acknowledging progress while also shining a light on the areas where gaps still exist.”
Belen Gestoso, Managing Director of Evos Algeciras, sees the day as a powerful symbol of progress and a call to action. “International Women’s Day highlights the crucial, yet often overlooked, role that women play in society. It serves as a reminder of the progress we’ve made, but also of the work still ahead. Visibility is key – recognising the achievements of women encourages future generations to pursue leadership roles, challenge stereotypes and demand equal opportunities.”
For Irina Vazquez, a Field Operator at Evos Algeciras, the day holds historical and personal significance. “It commemorates the long struggle of women for equality, justice and recognition. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in gender equality and to remind ourselves that while victories have been won, there is still a long way to go.”
At its core, International Women’s Day is about visibility, empowerment and action. As Rocío Calleja, a Customs Technician at Evos Algeciras, explains: “I come from a family where patriarchy was the norm. Over the years, I’ve seen that change, but this shift didn’t happen on its own. It’s thanks to the demands and sacrifices of so many women before us. That’s why celebrating this day is so important—to honour the past, acknowledge the present and continue striving for an equal future.”
Challenges faced and overcoming barriers
The journey towards gender equality is not without obstacles. Every woman interviewed has, at some point in her career, encountered bias, stereotypes and systemic challenges.
For Anicar, the barriers were not just about gender but also about age, leadership style and family responsibilities. “At one point in my career, even my personality was seen as a threat. I was once told, ‘You are too present.’ It took me time to understand why that was seen as a problem. But eventually, I realised that my knowledge, my kindness and even my smile are not pitfalls, but assets. Believing in myself and trusting my worth has been my greatest strength.”
Belen faced similar challenges in leadership roles. “There is a deeply ingrained perception of what a leader should look like, and often, that image does not include a woman. I have had moments of doubt, wondering if I belonged. But with time, and the right support systems, I have learned that confidence, competence and resilience are the true markers of leadership.”
For Rozanne van Lopik, Customer Service Manager at Evos Terneuzen, balancing professional growth and personal responsibilities as a single mother was a challenge. “I held a management position while raising two young children on my own. At times, the expectations seemed overwhelming. But having supportive leaders who offered flexibility in my work hours helped me navigate both worlds.”
The experiences of these women highlight an important truth: gender bias does not always come in overt forms. Sometimes, it’s the small, accumulated moments of doubt and expectation that create barriers to growth and success.
Progress in gender equality: what has changed?
While challenges persist, there is also significant progress to celebrate. Women at Evos are taking on leadership roles, driving operational excellence and challenging the status quo.
Imke Vogt, Operational Process Improvement Manager at Evos Hamburg, credits Evos’ leadership and commitment to diversity as key drivers of change. “Evos is proactive in creating opportunities for women, from offering training to fostering a culture where diversity is valued. The mindset of our leaders plays a huge role in making equality not just a policy, but a practice.”
Rozanne notes that there has been an increase in female representation in operational roles, but there is still room for improvement. “Compared to when the terminal first started, we have more women working on-site. But we still need more representation in management and operations. And let’s not forget—we need more female toilets!”
For Rocío, representation in leadership positions is a sign of progress. “When I first started, women in management were rare. Now, we have four women in leadership roles, which is a significant shift. But we must continue ensuring that gender is never a limitation to growth.”
Advice for the next generation of women in the industry
What can young women learn from these leaders? Their advice is both practical and empowering.
- Anicar: “Prioritise yourself. Take care of your well-being. A strong and confident woman is an asset to her team, her family and herself.”
- Belen: “Push for leadership. Advocate for inclusive policies. Your voice matters.”
- Irina: “Be confident. Invest in your education. Stand up for your worth.”
- Rozanne: “Pursue your dreams. Marriage or motherhood should never limit your career aspirations. And always maintain financial independence.”
The road ahead: what more can be done?
While progress is evident, there is still work to do. When asked about what changes they would like to see, the responses were clear.
Irina believes that companies should implement flexible work policies to support women in balancing responsibilities. “Flexible hours, remote work, and equitable parental leave can make a real difference,” she says.
For Rocío, normalising women in technical and operational roles is key. “Women should feel encouraged to explore roles in engineering, logistics and operations, without feeling like an exception,” she states.
Belen sees increasing the number of women in decision-making roles as essential. “Companies need to ensure equal access to leadership positions and training. At Evos, I am proud to see the number of female executives growing, but we still have more to do,” she says.
A commitment to inclusion at Evos
At Evos, we are committed to fostering a workplace that is open, inclusive and empowering for all. The experiences and insights shared by these six remarkable women reflect the importance of continuing our efforts toward gender equality.
International Women’s Day is not just about recognition – it is about action. It is about breaking barriers, challenging biases and ensuring that opportunities are available to all, regardless of gender.
Together, we will continue to evolve, empower and inspire the next generation of women in the energy and chemicals storage sector.
