“Women’s Time”

Iryna Vodopyanova, deputy head of the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih steam-gas plant, and Olga Vakulenko, a machine tool operator at the repair and mechanical shop of Casting and Mechanical Plant LLC, took part in the leading women's forum "Tempo delle Donne" (Women's Time), which took place in Milan , Italy.

The employees of "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih", who are currently working in the positions of mobilized men, told their personal stories. Is it difficult for them to work? Why did they agree to work in such a male profession and what motivated them to do so? What does it mean to be a woman and work in wartime? What do they dream about?

"Being a woman in wartime means for me - to be a support to our men, our soldiers," answers the employee of our plant, Olga Vakulenko. - We, Ukrainian women, try to be strong and positive. We have to support them, support them with advice, help them psychologically and physically. To do everything so that our defenders have the strength and inspiration to end the war sooner with our Victory. When the war started, I decided to switch to this company. My parents, grandparents worked here. In our family, the plant has always been associated with stability. Even earlier, in the difficult 90s, we literally survived thanks to this company, because salaries were paid here, so I had a goal - I am going to a company where there is stability.

Olga is proud of her work. "I'm curious, I'm constantly learning something new. I have the opportunity, if I don't like working on this machine, to retrain and switch to another one."