Traditionally, in Mexico, the participation of women in heavy machinery has been low, due to various factors. A greater involvement of them in administrative or support roles can be observed, but in regards to the operation of machinery, this has been limited.

However, in recent years there has been an increase in women working in construction jobs. Until 2015, in Latin America and the Caribbean, only between 1 and 6% of the sector was represented by women, in the case of Mexico, it only reached 3%.  This increase has occurred, among other factors, thanks to the inclusion of companies, an example of this is mateco, which proudly has a woman as part of its team of operators. p>

Mateco is a company specialized in construction equipment rental, including a large fleet of lifting platforms, ranging from 12 to 90 meters high; as well as telehandlers, forklifts, among others.

For this reason, we interviewed Daniela Cruz, a platform operator at mateco, to learn about her experience, vision, how companies can benefit from involving more women and how they can also contribute in this field.

Daniela operates a platform mounted on a Ruthmann T750 HF DRS truck, with a height of up to 75 meters, one of the longest reaches in all of Latin America. This equipment is ideal for maintenance and repair work in the wind, telecommunications and construction sectors. This equipment provides the best safety guarantees for operators in tasks that require great heights.

Tell us about yourself. How old are you, where are you from, how long have you been working at mateco and, in general, within the sector?

“I am 29 years old and I am from the State of Mexico, from the municipality of San José del Rincón, near the border with Michoacán. I've been working at mateco for 2 months, but I've already been working for 8 years and 4 in machinery.”

How did you get interested in this type of work? And how did you get started?

“I started in construction, specifically in finishes. At some point, about 5 years ago, I had to operate a 40-foot lift platform. From there, I became interested in platforms, more than anything, in terms of heavy machinery.”

Is any type of training required to operate these machines? How was your learning process?

“Yes, training is required before operating any machine. In my case, the company where I was at that time supported me to take a course with the same company that rented us the machinery, so the process was easier.”

"I haven't met many women in the industry, but most, or almost all, are characterized by strong character."

What skills and qualities do you consider to be the most important to succeed in this career?

“Initiative. More, in a sector where the majority are men, it counts a lot to have character. I haven't met many women in the industry, but most, if not all, are characterized by strong character. 

But, in general, you have to make up your mind, commit to your work, have love for what you do and be interested in always learning more.”

Do you remember your first time operating heavy machinery?

“It was very challenging. It is one thing to work in construction and be connected to the environment and the dynamics with colleagues, but taking on a machine and the responsibilities that this entails is very demanding. As a woman, obviously the eyes are on you because it's not common.

Personally, I think that in all construction industries, if a woman steps up and has knowledge and experience, she's going to be looked at with some skepticism, and until she gets things done, she's recognized that she can . So when I first picked up a machine, I was afraid of what it entailed and felt more pressure that everyone was watching me.”

How many machines can you operate? Is there one that you like more than another? why?

“I have more experience on manlifts, but I also know how to operate excavators, backhoes and telehandlers. Although I have my certifications, I don't have as much experience with them as opposed to lifting platforms. 

In the case of platforms, there is a very wide variety, depending on the characteristics and components. nce, for example, from the 24 meter; I like them because it has more features and is a more stable machine. It is true that a machine with more capacity may be better for certain jobs, but it is more demanding to operate.”

How do you keep up to date in your field of work?

“Researching everything you can about my machine, knowing its capacity, ranges and limitations; checking it every day. In this field you never learn everything, it's a matter of experience, the more you handle it and the more challenges they give you, the better you'll get to know it. 

It is even good to rely on colleagues who help you if they can clarify any doubts. In general, communication is also very important in addition to doing research about your machine.

Finally, don't settle for the machine you drive and know everything about it, but learn about the others as well.”

What are your primary tasks within mateco?

“My position at mateco is as an operator. I take care that the machine works correctly, to check it, keep the documentation in order, report daily its operation and if it has any damage. In short, my job is to get the most out of the machine.”

"When my colleagues approach me to answer any questions or ask for my opinion, it gives me a lot of confidence, empowers me and motivates me"

What do you like most about your job?

“What I like the most is being recognized. As she mentioned, for a woman this sector can be a little more difficult, especially due to the doubts that come to & nbsp; have regarding our performance. But once they see you operating the machine, they may be surprised. Therefore, the fact that they recognize it, personally, is a great satisfaction. 

In the same way, when my colleagues approach me to answer any questions or ask for my opinion, it gives me a lot of confidence, empowers me and motivates me; especially if you can be an example for other women to join the sector.”

Have you had role models within this industry? How have they helped you in your professional development?

“A role model, not really. Rather, I have had many colleagues who I greatly admire and respect, who have great skills, who really know how to operate their machine and have a love for their work. It's very encouraging. “

What do you think has been the most difficult thing to learn or the main challenges you have faced in operating machinery?

“For me, the main challenge is that it is a field made for men, that there is still no culture or integration of women. There are limitations from the beginning, the characteristics of the work, facilities, lodging, physical resistance, among other things. Obviously they can't give you preferential treatment and you have to adapt to that, but I also think that the bouquet can gradually adapt to women. 

Fortunately, I have had very understanding colleagues and supportive bosses.”

Did you ever think you couldn't operate the machinery? If so, what helped/motivated you to continue?

“Of course, and it hasn't been just one moment, there have been several. There have been machines that I find impressive. Imagine, there are machines that go up to 15 meters in height and others go up to 75, they are several meters apart, as well as the characteristics and capacities of each one. The challenge of taking one of these platforms or a backhoe is imposing, because it is a great responsibility and that can generate fear. 

This has led me several times to wonder if I can or even doubt that I can do it. When it comes to climbing distances, operating larger engines, recognizing new sounds or alarms, all of these can be scary. In my case, the support of my family motivated me a lot. My dad has always told me that I can do it; that if I don't know something, I can learn it; that if something goes wrong, I have to correct it. 

Because I based myself on those teachings, although it was difficult for me but I had that moral support, I have been able to motivate myself. If you have that kind of support, that's a big plus.”

"mateco trusted me from the first moment, when no company had done so"

Tell us about a satisfying experience or the best achievement in your work, something that made you very proud to achieve and why it is important?

“Being able to get to a place, in this case a mateco, and have my experience recognized without first testing myself, outside of the normal tests and acceptance processes by a company; That when they interviewed me they didn't doubt what I was saying, it was very satisfying.

From previous experiences, that with women you doubt their abilities and it is difficult to receive an interview if you are interviewed by a man or a woman, having received the opportunity to be a mateco made me very proud. I realized that there are companies that recognize your work and that are looking for people committed to what they do, mateco trusted me from the first moment, when no company had done so. 

I have 2 children, a boy and a girl. Another thing that makes me very proud is that my daughter expresses herself and boasts about what her mother does, that she can see that there are things that women can also do, something that perhaps did not happen in my generation.”

Do you know approximately how many women are in the machinery sector in Mexico?

“I would dare to say that we are the 1%. In all branches of machinery, almost all are men.”

Currently in mateco, are there more women working? If not, have you had other colleagues in this sector?

“At mateco I am the only operator. And, currently, in the site where I am working, out of a total of 60 machines, I am also the only one

In my experience in these 4 years, I have only met 9 operators of different machines; I have met more truck operators.”

Why do you think there are few women in this field of work? Do you wish there were more?

“Of course I wish there were more. The sector is not yet designed for women, it is not visualized with women. I think it is because most companies consider that men can better adapt to certain conditions or situations on a day-to-day basis, that they are more instinctive or that they are more physically resistant.”

"Integrating women would imply changing or making some of the working conditions more flexible due to the paradigms that exist with respect to us and that is an effort that, nowadays, not all companies are willing to make."

How do you think companies could encourage more women to get involved in this field of work?

“It's a matter of wanting it. Integrating women would imply changing or making some of the working conditions more flexible due to the paradigms that exist with respect to us and that is an effort that, today, not all companies are willing to make. But there are companies like mateco, where they definitely want to involve us more.”

Do you think there would be any impact on work teams and, in general, on the machinery industry, if more women joined?

“I have sometimes heard comments that a machine changes when driven by a woman. Perhaps because of the role we have played so far we are more organized, with a great sense of responsibility, we are planners, more meticulous and more cautious, I think these qualities can benefit the team. 

It is not about generalizing and saying that there are no colleagues who have their machines well cared for or with the documentation in order, because there are, it is just that it is easier for women to pay more attention to certain details or consider more the risks.

If more women joined it would be very beneficial, we have the same skills as our colleagues and we can support each other; there are things for which they will be better and there will be others in which we are. Men and women complement each other very well and, in this case, it can be a perfect team due to the combination of strength and skill.”

What advice would you give women who are interested in getting into heavy equipment operations?

“The most important thing is to decide and take the first step. When a woman enters machinery it is because she has already decided to learn, to be good and to take that responsibility. If you have already decided, you must do your best, do your best to improve, to innovate, to stand out.

When I meet women who are still hesitating, I like to remind them that they already did the most difficult thing, and once inside, the rest is to gradually climb out of their comfort zone and reach the next level. Yes, it is a sector designed for men for now, but we have equal capacities and learning, so we can both have opportunities to work in this sector.

"The only thing I could tell them is that it is possible, that everything we set out to do, can be done, as long as they are aware of their abilities, interests and the responsibility that this entails."

Although the participation of women in this type of work has been increasing, it is still low compared to the growth of other sectors. However, companies like mateco are making a difference, opening up opportunities for women in this field, recognizing their capabilities and the value they can bring, notions of work in the sector. mateco and Daniela are an excellent example of the positive impact that could to have more women included in the industry by companies, promoting flexibility, recognizing their ability to adapt and learn new skills, and trusting in their determination to overcome challenges.