International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025

Sonja Smith-Meyer Hoel (1920-2004)

Sonja Smith-Meyer Hoel (1920-2004) was among Norway's most influential women engineers, and her work laid the foundation for many of the processes and technologies we use today. She was one of few women who studied to become engineers in the 1940s, and after graduating from the Norwegian Institute of Technology, she began working at Elkem and remained with the company throughout her entire career. Eventually, she became director of the company's patent office and became involved in both nationwide and international patent projects, driving innovation both in Norway and abroad. 

Sonja’s career at Elkem was marked by her innovative spirit and dedication to advancing engineering practices. She played a crucial role in Norway’s ferrosilicon and aluminium industry, exemplifying how women have helped build Elkem, science, and industry. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of engineers, including Robertha Höglund. 

Through her role as head of intellectual property at Elkem and president of the Norwegian Association for Industrial Patent Engineers, Robertha has followed Sonja's path in many ways and cites her as inspiration. With a focus on digitalisation and big data, Robertha is committed to innovation and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological advancements. 

Robertha Höglund

Robertha started her industrial engineering studies at age 17 and emphasises the importance of early encouragement and role models for young girls in STEM. “It is important to tell girls from a young age that they can pursue any career they dream about,” she says. "Tell girls that they can be an astronaut, a metallurgist, a F1 engineer, a pilot, a brain surgeon, a president of a nation. Let them know that they are fully able to pursue whatever career they dream about." 

Also key, she says, is ensuring that young people have role models and representation. "If you have never seen someone that represents you, it is hard to believe you can do it." There is still work to be done to ensure full inclusion of women in STEM fields. Creating a more inclusive and supportive environment is essential for fostering the talents and contributions of women in science and engineering, and Robertha suggested that initiatives like Elkem’s technical trainee program, which aims for a 50-50 gender split, are steps in the right direction.

Empowering women and girls in science

Both Sonja and Robertha exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication that Elkem values. Their achievements not only highlight the importance of women in science and engineering but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of women and girls aspiring to enter these fields. As we celebrate their contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering women in science, ensuring that their voices and talents continue to shape the future of our industry.