For International Women’s Day, Schneider Electric celebrates the women who are helping advance energy technology and shape a more inclusive and sustainable world. Their stories show us what is possible when people have access to meaningful work, continuous learning, and a place where their skills can grow – irrespective of who you are or where you come from.

One of those stories begins in Madagascar.

Finding a place, an identity, and a path forward

Bodo grew up in the capital of Madagascar, where responsibility shaped her early life and curiosity shaped the rest. Her path into the energy sector was not a straight line. It started in IT, shifted into sales, and soon revealed a new world she felt naturally connected to.

As she recalls, “I discovered a real fascination for this world. An unparalleled ease in this very masculine world, a place, an identity, respect and recognition.”

That confidence continued to grow. After years of developing her commercial and technical experience, one opportunity changed everything. She was “one of the first women trained by Schneider at Madagascar,” and when a role opened in the local office six years ago, she knew she had to try.

It felt like a turning point. “Above all an opportunity to put my experience to good use, to finally be part of the real world of Schneider.”

Her journey reflects a core belief at Schneider: irrespective of who you are or where you come from, you can build a sustainable career where your skills matter, your identity is valued, and your potential can grow.

A career built on challenge, purpose, and movement

Today, Bodo works both as a distributor sales engineer and as a contributor to Access to Energy initiatives across Madagascar. Her motivation is as human as it is technical.

“The challenge: the discovery of an unknown field, starting from scratch to build everything.
The vision: to give meaning to actions, to contribute to improving community conditions for my country.”

Her work is dynamic and grounded in real community impact. Whether coordinating partners, tracking projects, or responding to emerging needs, her days are shaped by adaptability and preparation.

“This is a career that will ask a lot,” she says, “but one that will give you even more in return. Your work will count. Really. For you, for the communities, for the future.”

The magnitude of impact: 150,000 lives touched

Rural electrification in Madagascar comes with complexities, from funding cycles to logistics. Yet the impact is visible every time a community gains access to reliable energy.

“In two years, almost 150k people impacted, just by testing the market.”

She remembers visiting a school where a clean cooking solution was deployed quickly thanks to the alignment of all partners. Within ten days, the canteen could serve two meals a day to 500 students. The difference, she says, was immediate. Children were more focused, better fed, and more engaged in learning.

Moments like this shaped her long-term goals. “I feel fully involved in contributing to inclusive and sustainable energy.”

How upskilling opened opportunities that changed her life

For Bodo, continuous learning has not just supported her role, it has expanded what she believes she can achieve. Her growth has been shaped by a mix of technical training, internal development programs, and hands on learning. She talks about the value of learning from colleagues, managers, and customers, and how technical training gave her the confidence to navigate complex environments.

Bodo describes gaining a deeper understanding of socio-economic realities in rural communities, and the ability to train end users and operators in ways that make technology accessible. She developed strong foundations in project management, from planning and risk management to drafting specifications and tracking budgets. She also became fluent in the logic of funded projects and tender processes, a skill that opened new avenues in her work.

Her story reflects how upskilling and development opportunities at Schneider Electric support people to keep growing, keep contributing, and keep creating real impact for a more sustainable world.

Inclusion in practice: What support looks like on the ground

When asked about equal opportunity in her work, Bodo’s response is grounded in experience. “Personally, I did not feel any inequality in this work. It is the first gesture that takes precedence. This awareness, this will, this involvement and determination that we show. The rest follows.”

She also describes the support that makes her demanding role sustainable. Human support is essential. “To have a team that is available, that follows and recognizes my efforts. Even from a distance, knowing that the team is behind me strengthens my motivation.”

The meaning behind her work keeps her grounded. “Feeling that my work is meaningful. It reminds me why I do this job.”

And flexibility is key to her success. “In my role, nothing is 100 percent predictable. I am trusted in the way I manage my missions, I have the flexibility to adapt my movements, and I can balance field, family, preparation and recovery.”

This is inclusion as she experiences it: support, trust, and the space to thrive.

Advice for young women imagining their own career in energy

Bodo is passionate about encouraging women to enter fields where they may still be underrepresented. Her advice is heartfelt and practical. She urges women to fully believe in their legitimacy and to take pride in mastering their technical field. She encourages them to use their voice, to ask questions, to propose ideas, and to surround themselves with allies and mentors.

Bodo also stresses the importance of not letting stereotypes shape one’s path. “The field is also for you. Never let anyone exclude you,” she says. She believes deeply in authenticity, telling women to be themselves, to set their own standards, and to protect their boundaries. Above all, she reminds them that their presence has power. “Never underestimate the effect of your example. Your journey will matter more than you can imagine.”

She ends with a reflection that captures her spirit and strength. “Life is made up of multitudes of events and what does not kill us makes us stronger. As long as there is life, there is hope. Be the Master of your destiny. Love yourself, be passionate about what you do, do not let anyone diminish your values, appreciate the simple pleasures, and have a hobby.”

A reminder of what is possible at Schneider Electric

Bodo’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when someone is given the training, support, and trust to grow. It is a testament to our belief that talent exists everywhere, potential exists everywhere, and opportunity should too.

We celebrate women like Bodo. Women who strengthen communities, advance energy technology, and remind us that when people are empowered to learn and lead, the whole world moves forward.

If Bodo’s story inspires you to imagine a career where your work truly counts, we invite you to take your next step with us. You can join our Talent Community to stay connected with opportunities and other employee stories, or explore our open roles to begin shaping your own path toward impact.