In a world where it is estimated that only 15% of engineering students are women, SAES—a company specialising in underwater technology for the defence, security, and environmental sectors—is making a difference by promoting gender equality in the field. Since 2021, SAES has been challenging the statistics by incorporating women into 32% of its new hires. This progress highlights a firm commitment to gender diversity, which is essential in an industry traditionally dominated by males.
Esther Corbalán, Director of People and Culture at SAES, emphasises the importance of this diversity, stating: “Professional versatility is a superpower. At SAES, we believe that including women not only enriches our teams and organisational culture but also enhances our ability to respond to the technological and human challenges we face daily.” Corbalán’s words highlight SAES’s mission to foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and skills.
SAES’s commitment to equality extends beyond its internal policies. The company actively participates in events promoting women’s roles in engineering, such as the Womin Forum held at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena. SAES has also implemented mentoring programmes for female engineers and engaged in educational collaborations to support young women aspiring to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. These programmes offer guidance and connect students with role models in the engineering world, providing them with a clear and attainable vision for their professional future.
Beyond their engineers, SAES employs women in key disciplines such as mathematics, physics, administration, finance, and marketing, all contributing significantly to the company’s success in engineering. This diversity of profiles enriches the workplace environment, enabling a multidisciplinary collaboration that drives innovation.
Javier Mármol, President of SAES, reaffirms SAES’s commitment: “We are dedicated to creating an equitable environment where every individual, regardless of gender, can reach their full potential. We believe that gender diversity is not only a fundamental value in our company but also a key driver of innovation. This commitment is essential for our success and continuous growth, and we ensure that every voice at SAES is heard and valued as we move towards a more inclusive future.”
Through these initiatives, SAES not only advocates for gender equality within its ranks but also serves as an inspiration for the next generation of female engineers. They emphasise the importance of not missing out on 50% of the talent, highlighting that social and technological development hinges on the full inclusion of women. At a time when figures reveal a limited female representation in engineering, SAES positions itself as a leader in promoting an inclusive environment in science and technology .
