When one mentions "metallurgy", imagination conjures up large plant units that exhale fire and steam, towering tens of metres above the ground, propping up the sky, and strong men working there, as if they were destined to do this, because not everyone is cut out for this job. In real life, men indeed dominate steelmaking teams, but it is not absolute domination. At Zaporizhstal, for example, every fourth specialist is a woman.
Over the rich 90-year history of Zaporizhstal, thousands of female employees have worked here and made a significant contribution to the development of the Works.
Nataliia Sheihus has been part of the Zaporizhstal family for almost 20 years. She began her career at the Finance Directorate. But later, in 2013, she started working on the shop floor - in the oxygen compressor shop, she learned the profession of a compressor unit operator.
"I got a job at Zaporizhstal on the advice of my relatives and friends who worked at the plant at that time. They assured me that it was stable and reliable here. Then I saw it for myself. I had no doubts - I made the right choice," says Nataliia.
Nataliia is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of compressors and monitoring the air pressure, oil levels and other operating parameters of equipment. The level of responsibility is high, as this subdivision supplies oxygen and compressed air for the entire enterprise. Nataliia says that this work requires the ability to quickly respond to the slightest fluctuations in equipment operation, adjust and align the beat of power units to ensure stable production at each link in Zaporizhstal's production chain.
"Personally, I don't find this work difficult. It's enough to be attentive, responsible, and know the equipment you are entrusted with. Of course, there are certain nuances, but we know our job well and will always find a solution," said the operator.
Over time, Nataliia Sheihus has gained a lot of experience and mastered her profession. Now she also shares her knowledge with new employees. Especially when the team began to undergo changes after the outbreak of a full-scale war.
"Now there are much fewer women in our team - some of them decided to leave the city, take their families and go away from the frontline. Everyone makes their own choices and is responsible for them, and no one has the right to condemn them. I am staying in the city and continuing to work. It is a very difficult time for all of us. But I know where my skills, knowledge and work will be most useful, so I continue to work like all my colleagues," Nataliia adds.
She is especially proud of her work now, during the all-out war: the work of steelworkers, including hers, supports the economy and helps the military, bringing Ukraine's victory closer.
Who would have thought that we would have to work amid the sound of sirens and explosions, and even live in times of war? But it is what it is, and I am and I am very grateful that the plant has made it - and, in doing so, retained its team in such difficult times. Although things are difficult for everyone now, we remain strong and independent, we are fighting for our victory step by step, uniting around the common goal. And we, women, make a significant contribution to the work of the enterprise," the specialist concluded.
