Nederlands 
English Meet Beredu Sete
Anyone who talks to Beredu Sete will notice that she is well aware of what is happening on the work floor. She has been working at Herburg for twenty years, where she started as a storekeeper. In that time, she has gotten to know the company well. Because she knows her colleagues and processes well, she feels involved in both daily matters and larger changes.
Just being able to be yourself at work
“You’re here together every day,” says Beredu. “Then it is important that everyone feels comfortable.” With that in mind, she became involved with the Gender Committee. Together with a number of colleagues, she is a point of contact for employees who want to share something or run into something. “Sometimes it’s something small, sometimes something serious. Everything can be discussed.”
Various topics are discussed during the meetings. These range from personal hygiene and health to difficult themes such as sexual harassment and violence. “These are not easy conversations,” says Beredu, “but they are necessary. By naming things, more understanding arises.”
From talking to doing
That open way of working has already brought about changes. For example, sexual harassment in the workplace became a topic of discussion. “We have made it clear that this is not normal and will not be accepted,” says Beredu. “Steps have been taken, and that gave colleagues confidence.”
She sees that confidence reflected in her daily work. Employees know how to find the Gender Committee and dare to share their story. “People feel heard,” she says. “And if necessary, we ensure that things are followed up further. No one has to stand alone.”
Making a difference step by step
Through the work of the Gender Committee, employees know better what their rights are. Transgressive behavior is less common and larger topics, such as human trafficking and female genital mutilation, can also be discussed. “You notice that people are more confident,” says Beredu. “I think that’s great to see.”
Continue to learn and grow
For the future, Beredu hopes that the training courses will continue. Not only about safety and health, but also about saving and dealing with money, especially for women. “If you know where you stand, it gives you peace of mind,” she says. “And peace of mind helps you move forward.”
According to Beredu, everything starts with listening. “If people feel good at their work,” she says, “that has an impact on everything.”
