ROCKWOOL UK is dedicated to cultivating an environment that encourages, develops and promotes women throughout our organisation. From operations to the office, from the factory floor to finance, we are always looking for new recruits to join our business and help us to build a better future.
Read on to see what our employees say, and to explore a selection of interviews under the ‘Accelerate Action’ agenda of International Women’s Day 2025.
For International Women’s Day 2025, we spoke to three inspiring women at ROCKWOOL to reflect on the ‘Accelerate Action’ initiative. Hear from Marion, Amanda and Rebecca below:
This year’s IWD theme is "Accelerate Action" – what does this mean to you in the context of gender equality?
We have been talking about gender equality for a long time and although there has been progress, it feels like this has been a slow burn rather than direct change through positive action. I am concerned by some of the movements from large organisations around the world who are pulling back from their EDI commitments in an uncertain climate. So, if we don’t Accelerate Action and drive forward the equality and diversity agenda then we will go backwards. Moreover, I think that there is a place for proactive diversity policies as we continue to correct the balance for recruitment, career development and promotion of women.
Please could you tell us about your ROCKWOOL journey to date – including any pivotal moments that have been significant for you as a woman during this journey
I joined ROCKWOOL in December 2023, so a short journey to date! Throughout my career in the industry, I have often been the first woman engineer, or first woman manager. Refreshingly at ROCKWOOL I am not the first female Technical Director, and I am not the only woman on the UK management team which shows that it is no longer rare to find women in senior positions in this type of industry. However, there is still a lot of work to do to increase diversity, especially in manufacturing and engineering. It is still challenging to attract young women and girls into careers in manufacturing and engineering, even with better apprenticeship and degree pathways.
What are your thoughts about mentorship as a tool to support gender equality and the career growth of women?
I think mentorship is critical to support the career growth of anyone, male or female. I have benefitted throughout my career from mentors who have supported me and helped me grow in confidence and ability. In workplaces where there is an imbalance in gender (or any other characteristic) it is even more important for individuals in the minority to have mentors and role models who can help them to see the value difference brings. Through this, we will build on our true strengths rather than conforming to the majority.
This year’s IWD theme is "Accelerate Action" – what does this mean to you in the context of gender equality?
I was surprised and disappointed to read that according to data from the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now to reach full gender parity. This is why it important to recognise that now is the time to make swift, decisive steps to speed up the pace of change so that women do not face disparities in economic participation, leadership representation, and access to education and healthcare.
Please could you tell us about your ROCKWOOL journey to date – including any pivotal moments that have been significant for you as a woman during this journey
I joined ROCKWOOL in 1994 as a young technician eager for opportunity in an industry where women were rare. Unlike my previous role, where I had been restricted from certain tasks, ROCKWOOL welcomed me fully and wholeheartedly – within a week I was up on the factory roof conducting emission tests! Over the 23 years I’ve spent in the Environmental team, I’ve played a key role in improving factory processes, securing ISO certifications, and ensuring sustainability. Though often the only woman, I was always supported, mentored, and valued. As more women joined, I was proud to help foster an inclusive environment. In 2017, I transitioned to the Technical Department and in 2024, became Team Leader. I now lead a team of mostly women in a male-dominated construction space. Though we do face challenges, we stand firm in our expertise. After 31 years, I’m proud to have grown with a company that champions equality and progress.
What are your thoughts about mentorship as a tool to support gender equality and the career growth of women?
I would not have been able to fulfil the different job roles I have had over the years without the mentoring and support of managers, colleagues, and external programs such as Agile Nation provided by Chwarae Teg. This program was developed to promote gender equality, career advancement and improve the position of women in the workforce across Wales and I’m still in touch with some of the influential and inspiring women I met along the way today.
I believe that women who have mentors have increased confidence and aspiration, as well as enhancing their communication and leadership skills. This will mean they’re more likely to go for promotions, grow their personal network, and feel motivated to succeed.
This year’s IWD theme is "Accelerate Action" – what does this mean to you in the context of gender equality?
The theme "Accelerate Action" for this year’s International Women’s Day highlights the need to move from words to real change in gender equality. It’s a call to take quick, meaningful actions to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for all. Achieving gender equality isn’t just about talking - it’s about acting, now, in every area of society, from workplaces to policies to everyday interactions. For me, it’s a reminder that while we’ve made progress, we need to speed up and push for change more effectively and consistently.
What are your thoughts about mentorship as a tool to support gender equality and the career growth of women?
Mentorship isn’t just advice—it’s a game-changer! Having someone in your corner, guiding you through challenges, championing your success, and pushing you to see your own potential can make all the difference. A great mentor isn’t just a career coach—they’re a confidence booster, a sounding board, and sometimes, the nudge you need to go for that next big opportunity.
ROCKWOOL Limited is part of ROCKWOOL Group. With one factory based in Bridgend, South Wales and over 500 employees, we are the local organisation offering advanced insulation systems for buildings.
With approximately 12,000 dedicated colleagues in 40 countries and sales in more than 120, ROCKWOOL Group is the world leader in stone wool products, from building insulation to acoustic ceilings, external cladding systems to horticultural solutions, engineered fibres for industrial use to insulation for the process industry and marine & offshore. Stone wool is a durable, endlessly recyclable, versatile material that forms the basis of all our businesses.
