As we celebrate international women’s day on march 8 and beyond, LM Wind Power colleagues seema mishra and lan xu shared their views on gender equality at work, at home and in society. #eachforequal!

Seema Mishra, Global Lean Process Manager, works with operational lean in LM Wind Power. Her role includes successfully developing global lean standards, including Hoshin Kanri, masterplans, A3 and 3P. The team also focuses on developing lean capability through training and ensuring plant production readiness through lean approaches – ultimately reducing cycle time and improving competitiveness and quality in our wind turbine blades.

Lan Xu, Director, leads the China Front End Engineering team - the local technical contact, dedicated to serving regional clients. The team is responsible for initiating new product developments through the Phase 0 process, including technical account management, conceptual and aerodynamic design of wind turbine blades. As a part of our 360-degree Account Team, Front End Engineering listens to the customer voice and drives continuous improvements in design to cost, design to manufacturing and design to service to maximize customer value.

Read on for reflections from Seema and Lan, and for inspiring contributions from colleagues across the globe who took up the #EachforEqual pose in answer to the question: What does International Women's Day mean to you?

What does International Woman's Day mean to you?
Seema Mishra: This day reminds me of the positivity towards women in the world, accepting and celebrating our contributions as a daughter, sister, wife, mother and colleague.

Lan Xu: International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made and remind everyone we are still on the way to achieving gender equality.

What does it mean to be a woman in your local society?
Lan Xu: Women take responsibility as much as men and play an indispensable role in global and social progress, but we have not achieved full gender equality yet. I recognize the theme of International Women’s Day 2020: An equal world is an enabled world.

What role or impact would you like to play in relation to women's rights?
Seema Mishra: We are unique, and everyone is unique. When we start focus on the word “equal”, we are comparing ourselves with others, and that ignites a competition of superiority, which leads to a gap. Our main purpose should be to eliminate that gap and accept everyone with their unique capabilities irrespective of their gender, race, age or appearance. As women, I believe we need to start believing in our uniqueness, rather than focusing on comparing ourselves with men.

What privileges or challenges do you think women typically face?
Lan Xu: Prejudice, especially when a woman takes on a position traditionally held by a man. She can experience more doubt about her ability and may need to spend more time or effort in securing recognition.

Which women inspire you?
Seema Mishra: I'm inspired by Arunima Singha. She is the world’s first female amputee to scale Mount Everest. She followed her dreams, ignoring criticism and her disabilities. I've also inspired by Dr. Sudha Murty, who is the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. I am always motivated by her, particularly by one of her quotes: "It doesn't matter how intelligent you are, how well off you are, or how well connected you are. Your perseverance, your courage - if you keep that intact, only such people will always be successful."

How do you see Inclusion & Diversity in action at LM Wind Power and GE Renewable Energy?
Lan Xu: It is good to see Inclusion & Diversity in action at LM Wind Power and GE Renewable Energy. It will enhance awareness of gender equality, and help establish a respectful and diverse workplace. I am confident that it will make our company a great company with great people.