On the International Women’s Day, Arfai honors the about 60 women workers that the company employs and that represent 75% of its human resources, remembering that is their talent and their skills that are in great part behind each ceramics piece here produced and exported across the globe.

Traditionally, in this industry, female workers are the most experienced, skilled and talented to perform the key roles of this activity: “In 20 years, we never had a man working on finishing, glazing or painting sections” explains Carla Moreira, Arfai General Manager.

“Our social commitment requires us to ensure a strict compliance with the law in terms of gender equality, releasing job offers that respect these criteria. But the truth is: applications of male candidates are rare and none of the very few ever demonstrated experience in the roles, a requirement in any recruitment process at Arfai” she concludes.

A Women’s world ruled by a Men’s world?

If the female work impact at Arfai confirms a tendency of this sector, where women dominate the so-called mass labor, the same does not happen when one moves up in the power chain of this organization. Here, also women lead in the areas of higher qualification, with a woman leading the company, a fact that contradicts the general reality which shows that only 10% of the executive positions in Portugal are occupied by women.

Carla Moreira is currently Arfai CEO and is one of the company’s founders back in 1995, having assumed the position of sole manager in 2010.

“During 26 years in this men’s world, I’ve felt I had to make bigger efforts as a woman, having the need to constantly prove myself and my capabilities. Nevertheless, I recognize the advantages I had for being a woman in charge: with the due amount of emotional intelligence, I have put a lot of soul, feeling and aesthetical sense in the way I manage people and the way I do business, which I believe was very fruitful for the company” she explains.

Not forgetting the crucial role men play, Arfai will celebrate this symbolical date with a small event – “Tea at 5 o’clock!” – that invites all Arfai women to gather together after work.