After several years working in production at LIBERTY Steel Ostrava, Ivona decided it was time for a change and applied for a role in the transport department. After completing some intense physical training, she became the first ever female train driver in the history of the plant.

Working a mixture of day and night shifts, her role requires her to be laser focused at all times, as the work is frenetic, lining up the train cars based on production needs, whilst meeting all safety protocols. It’s physical work, but she takes this in her stride, confronting all types of weather in the course of a year.

Although she is the only female in her team, Ivona isn’t treated any differently to her colleagues, and loves working with a great group of people in a friendly atmosphere.

Ivona is proud to debunk the myth that women are not fit for heavy industry, and she doesn’t understand why more women aren’t taking up roles in the sector. She hopes to see more join her in the future. Ivona says, ‘’I am happy because I have good people around me at work and at home, and finally I have an interesting, well-paid job”. We think Ivona is a great example of how women can thrive in the steel industry, and we celebrate her dedication and passion on International Women’s Day.