Cony Benítez is head of administrative and commercial management for Cupa Pizarras at the Tournai office. She has been the interface between Benelux customers and the headquarters in Spain for 27 years.
What does International Women’s Day mean for you?
A day to remember that women in the world are equal to men and should enjoy the same rights and that they have fought and are still fighting to be respected, protected and listened to in a world that is still too “masculine”.
How has the situation of women evolved in your industry and during your professional career?
In the male-dominated roofing sector, women are becoming increasingly present as supervisors and managers in construction materials businesses, roofing sales representatives, a few women roofers, women driving HGVs and even though it is still a small minority, young women are choosing courses that prepare for them to be construction engineers. The place of women in the world of roofing is evolving but not fast enough.
Have you had any difficulties in your professional life because you are a woman?
I have always worked with men in Belgium and personally, my colleagues have always shown me respect and empathy. That’s probably because I’m not a difficult person, but also because I do not feel different to them. Ever since I have been at Cupa, male and female colleagues have always got along very well.
What do you think has been your greatest contribution to Cupa Pizarras?
My professional ethics, my experience, my understanding of the sector and the customers. I have been closely involved with the growth and development of turnover in Benelux. I know the customers and their needs, their satisfaction is very important for me. I am autonomous and able to work independently, but also as part of a team, by respecting the procedures in place. I think I have understood the values and objectives of Cupa Pizarras well and have responded to the expectations and demands of my post.
Why would you recommend other women join the Cupa Group team?
Recognition, trust, autonomy, equality between men and women and professional as well as personal development, are strong values at Cupa Group. Those values have helped me to develop not only professionally, but also as a woman. At Cupa Group to be a woman, is to be proud of what we do and also of who we are and what we represent.
