“I’ve had people questioning my abilities and career choice" – aircraft mechanic

Christine Tanti, 28, has been working as an aircraft mechanic with Lufthansa Technik for the past 10 years , responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircrafts' electronic and electrical systems and components, including component removal, installation, servicing and inspections. Different mechanical checks take different periods of time and aircraft mechanics carry major responsibility for the safety of passengers. They are therefore required to carry out their job in a highly disciplined and accurate manner, adhering to safety standards and meeting demanding flight schedules.

Speaking to this newspaper, Ms Tanti admits that it was quite challenging to get to where she is now, given the industry is highly dominated by men. "Some seem to hold the mentality that women are not capable of carrying out hands-on jobs. But it's all in the mind. I strongly believe that where there's a will, there's a way. I've had people questioning my abilities, and my choice in career, and I've been told I'm not capable several times, but I proved otherwise. One instructor walked into the classroom and told me that I didn't belong in the course. During an educational visit to one of the aircraft hangers, an instructor told me I wouldn't be able to lift a 25 kilo toolbox, but I stepped in front and did so. The more people told me I couldn't do it, the more determined to succeed I became. You do need a crocodile's skin though; that I admit," she smiles.

Christine's roles and duties as an aircraft mechanic are the same as her male counterparts'. She does nothing less, and nothing more.

In 2005, only 4 women underwent the course to become an aircraft mechanic. The course is still highly dominated by young men; however, the discrepancy is decreasing somewhat.

"Working in the aircraft industry was always on my mind. My father worked in the royal air force and from a young age, I accompanied him in airports. He was, in a way, my role model. I set my mind to what I wanted to become and I haven't looked back since."

 

 

"Choose a job you love, it is not about the money or the prestige" - art restorer

Valentina Lupo, 30, is an art conservator, working to protect original works of art. Conservators address deterioration issues and after compiling an evaluation report, conduct corrective treatment in accordance with the aesthetic, historical and scientific specifications of the artwork in question.

Leading her own company, Atelier Del Restauro, Mrs Lupo works on canvas and wall paintings. Most of the work is restored in the company's laboratory but at times, conservators restore the artwork on location, spending days on scaffolding attending to the artwork.

The work also requires conducting research on the artwork in question and collaborating with art historians, analysing the pigment and teal used. Sometimes, samples of the item in question need to be sent abroad for evaluation. There is no simple recipe for treatment; each artwork carries a story of its own.

During the student event, organised by Business and Professional Women Malta (BPW), many were those students who enquired what Mrs Lupo's role was about. Up till a few years ago, in Malta, it was something mostly carried out by enthusiasts. Today however, it is a fully recognised profession, although there is the need to raise awareness about the career, Mrs Lupo says.

The educational course leading to becoming a restorer includes the study of science subjects. As such, professionals need to handle chemicals and solvents and restorers need to ensure that the chemicals used on artwork will not cause damage.

Mrs Lupo explained how some of those who enrolled in the restoration course ended up taking a different career line, because they were pushed in a different direction by their parents, with the idea that some careers are more prestigious than others. "I've stressed to these young students to do a job they love, given that work takes up so much of our lives. It should not be about the money, or the prestige," she says.

For years,  Mrs Lupo involved herself in the Malta Girl Guides Association. "Such organisations are crucial for developing self-confidence and leadership skills. I've witnessed girls and young women develop into leaders, team workers and public speakers," she says. "Should I have children, there's no doubt I will encourage them to involve themselves in such groups."

Mrs Lupo recently got married and plans on having children later on in life. " In some way or another, I'll make it work," she smiles.

The art restorer admits that she does sometimes get male clients who doubt her abilities as a restorer, but on the whole, she says males and females are perceived as equal.

 

"I never felt I had to choose between having a family and a career" - lawyer

Dr Oriella Degiovanni has been practicing as a lawyer for the past six years, representing the University of Malta in both civil and criminal cases. On a daily basis, she collaborates and meets up with different entities to sort out any issues dealing with property, employment and intellectual property. Dr Degiovanni is specialised in employment law and therefore works closely with the human resources department within the university. 

Besides working on a full-time basis as a lawyer and being involved in the Hospice Movement,  the Commission for Domestic Violence and the BPW, Dr Degiovanni is also a parent to a three-year-old. She admits that she is very lucky to have her mother and husband help her out. She never felt the need to choose between having a career and raising a family, because she was always committed to managing both. "As a child, I always witnessed my mother getting ready to go to work. When I became a mother, I started feeling unproductive, so I always knew it wouldn't take me long to go back to work. I never felt I had to choose between having a family and a career. "Life is a challenge from start to finish, but you set targets and work hard to reach them."

At 11 years of age, Dr Degiovanni already knew she wanted to become a lawyer. "Inevitably, you need to be willing to undergo years of study, even in topics that don't necessarily interest you. It takes hours of studying and writing assignments - but nothing worthwhile comes easy in life. During university, I had a study friend that helped keep me motivated."

The young lawyer says that although thirty years ago, it was ideal for women's day to be celebrated, the need for such a day is diminishing.  "Although some do question our capabilities, I believe there is less distinction between genders."

Dr Degiovanni admits that today, several government initiatives, such as free child care centres and extended school hours, encourage more women to enter the workforce or retain their jobs. Meanwhile, the equality act ensures that media content material is not disrespectful.

 

Event highlights

The third edition of Career's Day event, organised by Business and Professional Women (BPW) Malta, hosted 300 secondary school girls, giving them the opportunity to meet with professionals and realise that women can become anything they want to become in life. The list of professionals included social workers, general managers, dental surgeons, doctors, occupational therapists, psychologists, graphic artists, company directors, ambassadors, educators, magistrates, policewomen, veterinary surgeons, writers, lawyers and pilots, among others.

Stephanie Falzon, BPW President, stressed that hard work and determination are key to being successful, but a young women should never stop thriving to reach her goals, even to reach top positions in society.

Mrs Falzon stressed that both mothers and fathers are family breadwinners and that the mentality that women should stay at home and take care of their children needs to be eradicated. For the women to move forward however, she needs to be supported by her partner. Today, we witness fathers taking care of their children equally, in a more hands-on manner.

" BPW is about gender equality; men and women are partners in the workplace, in family and in society in general," Mrs Falzon concludes.