LIBERTY Primary Steel and SIMEC Mining host events in Whyalla
08 March 2023
Embracing Equity is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day … something Whyalla’s Damayanti Lenka has been doing throughout her career in steel.
As we celebrate this significant day in Whyalla and throughout our Australian businesses, Damayanti’s story is a reminder that while International Women’s Day (Wednesday 8 March) is one day of celebration, being committed to diversity and inclusion is everybody’s responsibility, every single day.
Starting at the Whyalla Steelworks in 2007 after moving to Australia from India, Damayanti embodies the very ethos of International Women’s Day and is a genuine trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
I see women driving trucks, operating forklifts and doing all manner of jobs around the steelworks … there is no difference, there is no job a woman can’t do.
Damayanti Lenka
With a background in Electrical Engineering and Business Management, Damayanti started in Whyalla as a trainer in the Training Department before moving into a Project Manager role in Capital Projects where she is now a leader for the Readiness to Operate (RTO) team after 16 years at the steelworks.
Damayanti truly embraces equity every day and hopes the path she has carved is helping other women in the steelworks do the same.
“There are plenty of opportunities in the steelworks from Engineering/Technical roles, Management roles to various jobs on the shop floor level,” Damayanti said.
“I see women driving trucks, operating forklifts and doing all manner of jobs around the steelworks … there is no difference, there is no job a woman can’t do.
“I have always received lots of support and have not faced any difficulties because I am a woman.”
Damayanti has conveyed this message to high school students as part of her role in the “Promoting Women Engineers’ initiative in Whyalla, which is run by the Institute of Engineers.
Women can get stuff done in this industry … there is no reason why we can’t.”
Damayanti Lenka
With a self-confessed love for interacting with people, Damayanti uses her background and experience to inspire Year 11 and 12 students, female and male, to believe in themselves and pursue careers in the steel industry.
“I encourage the girls studying at school to pursue technical and hands-on careers in the steelworks,” Damayanti said.
“There are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow in the Manufacturing Industry.
“I enjoy my work and love seeing projects through. Women can get stuff done in this industry … there is no reason why we can’t.”
This aligns with the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day that by embracing equity, we embrace diversity and we embrace inclusion. This forges harmony and unity to help drive success for all … equality is the goal and equity is the means to get there.
Main picture: Damayanti Lenka at the LIBERTY Primary Steel Whyalla steelworks.
Read more about 2023 International Women’s Day
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