Judith's story
Judith is the head of the Interior Design department in IKEA Málaga, has 3 children and was promoted while pregnant. She is one of the 51.4% of women department managers in IKEA in Spain.
Motherhood is never a drawback at IKEA”
Ten years ago, Judith began her career at IKEA Málaga as decorator for the Kitchen Department. At that time, she already had two young daughters and dreamed of advancing in her profession.
Support at all levels.
Two years after starting to work at IKEA, she became pregnant with her third daughter while she had several projects on the go, one of them for a future leadership position. “My boss and HR encouraged me to go for it, unfettered by my pregnancy” she explains. Judith couldn’t be happier. She felt supported and incredibly reassured. She was able to carry on advancing and learning.
Her maternity leave kept her away from the store for 8 months, while she took care of her most important project 24/7: her baby.
“When I returned to work, I had a few doubts as to how it would feel, how I would adapt. But I found the same support, interest and camaraderie in all processes,” says Judith.
On her return new projects were awaiting her, together with new training courses and a consolidated career path that took her to her present post as head of the Interior Design Department at IKEA Málaga.
“Being a mother has never been a drawback at IKEA. I've always felt supported and have been able to choose my own pace within the company," says Judith with pride.
At IKEA we know what we want!
Long gone are the days (or at least this is how it should be) when women had to choose between having children or a career . Professional and personal growth go hand in hand: people should not give up either of the two.
“At IKEA you don’t have to waste time proving yourself because you are a woman, explaining why you do things this way or that”, she explains.
There is still a long way to go in terms of equality, but every step forward is a giant leap. According to Judith, we are getting closer to actual equality.
“We are not crazy …we know exactly what we want! And what we don’t want is to carry on talking about equality: this should now be a reality”, says Judith
Working better with equality.