Anna Buhaiova from Zaporizhstal has a job, which is traditionally considered a male-dominated job. Despite the stereotypes, the female steel worker doesn't feel like a square peg in a round hole, and the colleagues compliment her for her professionalism.
Anna Buhaiova has been working at Zaporizhstal cold rolling shop for 13 years. She started as a metal inspector, and later worked as a sling operator. Whichever the job, she would steep in, learning every detail and looking for gaps to close and improve the processes. Apart from her own job responsibilities, she always takes interest in her colleagues’ work to be able to help or second.
Her colleagues speak of her as a team player with leadership skills.
"We used to work with Anna when she just started her career at the enterprise. Regardless of her role, she was always professional. She knows the document management process in and out, her word is enough to crane operators, and she is knowledgeable about the requirements for metal and equipment. She excelled in all jobs she had in this area, so there was no doubt she would grow to a team leader role. I am serious! We have a very well-structured workflow and a cohesive team," says Roman GLUHOVSKIY, a senior foreman of Zaporizhstal Coke and Chemical Shop.
"The fact that Anna was appointed a team leader back in 2018 and became the first lady taking on this role in the rolling shop did not surprise anyone. Our team is committed to the principles of equality and mutual respect. It's not the gender that was a determining factor but rather the leadership skills, the ability to keep the team united and productive.”
Anna has been a rolling shop team lead for five years, and she is responsible for acceptance, processing and dispatch of coils. She oversees the work of the whole team.
"Not everything was a success from the start; there were difficult and challenging tasks. However, solutions can always be found, especially when there is team support and experience. I am grateful to my colleagues that they are always there and see me not only as their supervisor but also as a friend whom they can trust," commented Anna.
Anna's approach to work is based on discipline and mutual support. The female steel worker also tries to improve her knowledge and skills to be a role model for her colleagues.
"My job requires me to be determined and confident in my actions, that's why it is extremely important to work professionally and responsibly. Every new task and even a challenge help grow my expertise. I gladly share my knowledge with the colleagues, and they do the same in return," says Anna.
Anna gets big help and support from her husband Yevhen, a foreman of Zaporizhstal steel casting shop who is currently at the forefront defending the country.
"My husband is my supporter, we've been together for 17 years. Although we don't often talk about our work at home, he's been always supportive and believed in me. Now, when he is at the forefront and I am here, I take even greater responsibility for my work. Whether you are a male or female steel worker, we all strengthen the homefront, which helps our defenders in their fight for victory. I am so proud of him!" says Anna.
Just like everybody else, Anna dreams about the great victory of Ukraine and returning to peaceful family life. Together with other nearly 2,000 women of Zaporizhstal, she works every day breaking the stereotype about the non-feminine job and bringing the victory closer.
