Breaking Barriers: Women in Engineering at PET Technologies

At PET Technologies, women are not only challenging stereotypes. They’re driving innovation and shaping the future of the plastics and packaging industry.

Engineering has long been perceived as male-dominated, but that narrative is changing. Today, women are making significant strides in STEM, and their presence is being increasingly recognized and celebrated.

A Global Shift Toward Inclusion

According to UNESCO, women comprise nearly 20% of engineering students globally, representing a significant improvement from previous decades. This progress reflects growing alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), emphasizing equal participation in traditionally male-driven sectors.

At PET Technologies, the impact is tangible: 32.5% of technical positions are held by women, surpassing many industry benchmarks and reflecting the company’s strong commitment to diversity.

The Journey Begins with Curiosity

For many women at PET Technologies, the path to engineering started with a love for math, physics, or a technical role model. Design engineer Maiia Movchan recalls being fascinated by how the world works, while Nadiia Hora credits her father for inspiring her pursuit of polytechnic education.

Others found their way to engineering unexpectedly. Nina Hurinova, for instance, initially enrolled in a technical program just to support a friend. That decision led to a 54-year career she describes as deeply fulfilling—proof that even chance moments can shape lifelong purpose.

Facing and Overcoming Challenges

Despite the progress, women in engineering still encounter both implicit and explicit biases. Engineer Kateryna Murza shared that her current position is her first in the field, after facing multiple rejections in what she describes as a “men’s world.”

Support systems can also be lacking. Kseniia Palii noted that some friends questioned her career choice, while others treated it as an act of bravery. One colleague even faced skepticism from her parents, who eventually became proud of her accomplishments—further motivating her to succeed.

These stories illustrate a recurring theme: resilience. The women of PET Technologies have turned resistance into drive and transformed obstacles into achievements.

The Joy of Engineering

What keeps them motivated? The thrill of problem-solving and seeing their ideas come to life. For Maiia, seeing a 3D design transform into a real product is a highlight. Liubov Dzyhman compares engineering to solving a new puzzle every day, while Olha Bukhovets finds daily inspiration in working alongside intelligent and driven colleagues.

Engineering even spills into their personal lives—Maiia used her skills to fix a kitchen appliance, and Olha shared that a shared technical mindset strengthens her connection with her husband.

A Vision for the Future

The experiences of these women show that engineering talent has no gender. At PET Technologies, they are not just participants—they’re leaders, innovators, and mentors shaping the company’s trajectory.

Their journeys underscore the importance of continuing to promote gender equality in STEM, not just as a social goal but as a business imperative. Diverse teams drive smarter decisions, stronger products, and better workplaces.

Written by: Tetiana Pronikova – Head of marketing at PET Technologies.