When women deal with machines and technology, magic is made. Throughout history, they were at the forefront of innovation, bringing unique perspectives, and creative problem-solving approaches to the table. They brought empathy and ingenuity to the world of machines, thinking not only how they work but also how they can improve lives. Every day, women in tech around the world are making incredible strides, developing software, designing hardware, managing IT systems, and driving innovation, and still, their contributions often go unnoticed.
In our latest, 8th issue of the Women4Women magazine, we want to change the narrative and honor women who are shaping the printing and graphic arts industry. Offering a fresh perspective and a completely new look and feel, this issue is aptly titled “Women and the Machine”. From the UK to Australia, we’ve collected over 20 stories of women from all across the globe, who bring change to the world of tech. They tell about their ups and downs, motivation and learning curves, how they challenged outdated stereotypes in the male-dominated field and what drives them to move on. On this inspiring journey, you’ll be accompanied also by evocative photographs taken in Italian factories in the 1980s by Turin-based photographer Paola Agosti.
“The stories we have collected in this new issue are all about a challenge. A challenge that has been quietly but not yet fully recognised, one that sees women and machines progressing and evolving together, demonstrating that technology, in this case applied to the printing industry, is not a men-only activity. These magnificent women tell us how they are able to create empathy with these mechanical ‘hearts’ and thanks to the strong ‘bond’ that is created, it has been possible to achieve results that we can describe as artistic. Business aptitude is not enough to do this,” – says Luana Porfido, European Head of Corporate Communication and ESG Management, FUJIFILM Europe GmbH.
The magazine features insights from the souls of Fujifilm, including Makiko Numata, Mihoko Endo and Isabelle Katrina Morales, who highlight the importance of innovation, perseverance and breaking down long-established barriers. At the same time, there are stories of external contributors, such as Lisa Farinati, Head of Business Administration of Faservice Srl, and Chiara Bezzi, Editorial Manager of Innovative Press, who discuss the transformative power of female leadership and the importance of sustainability and inclusion in the industry. Zhu Min, Vice President of C&C Joint Printing Co. Ltd, also shares her journey and achievements, including winning the prestigious “Bi Sheng Printing Outstanding Achievement” award.
“Our goal is to bring together diverse ideas, unique skills and extraordinary people to change the world. Women4Women is a concrete example that testifies to the path we have taken towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” – Yoshiki Kimura, President, FUJIFILM Europe GmbH.
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