Building a diverse future: Our commitment to inclusion and innovation
Recognizing that women and girls make up half of the global population underscores the vital role of gender equality, not only as a fundamental human right but also as a cornerstone for cultivating peaceful societies, unlocking human potential, and driving sustainable development.
Commitment to being an equal opportunity employer
At KONGSBERG, we take immense pride in our commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering diversity within our workforce. We see diversity as a source of strength, driving an inclusive and dynamic organizational culture that supports diverse perspectives and drives business excellence.
"As the CFO of KONGSBERG, I think gender equality in the technology industry is of great importance. Women and girls make up half the population, yet their voices are often sidelined, especially in STEM fields. Here at KONGSBERG, we're committed to building a diverse workforce because we know the positive effects on innovation and ultimately performance. And as someone who's seen the power of diversity firsthand, I am very excited about our future."Mette Toft Bjørgen, Group EVP and Chief Financial Officer, KONGSBERG.
Less than one third
Women and girls have made significant contributions to human innovation globally, yet remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). According to the United Nations, they are only 35 per cent of students in STEM education. Women hold less than one third of positions in the technology sector and only one out of every five professionals in fields like artificial intelligence is a woman, underscoring the significant gender gap prevalent in the industry.
According to the WomenTech Network, only 47.7%, less than half of working-age women are participating in the global workforce, and in some countries, this figure is even lower. Projections from the Network suggest that achieving economic gender parity may take over 131 years at the current rate of change. Despite the increasing demand for skills in technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women continue to be underrepresented.
"Achieving gender equality, is not just about leveling the playing field; it's about unleashing the full potential of women and girls. At KONGSBERG, we're proud to be part of the solution, supporting diversity within our ranks. After all, it's not just good for business; it's the right thing to do," says Bjørgen.
To stay ahead in a constantly evolving technology landscape, we understand the significance of bringing together a diverse group of individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. It's this diversity that drives our innovation and keeps us ahead of the curve. Our vision for long-term innovation demands a workforce that reflects the richness of all genders and backgrounds. It is our employees who are the driving force behind our organization's success.
International Women’s Day is observed annually on 8 March. International Women's Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe. It is a day, observed by many countries around the world, on which women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
