Breaking Barriers: One Woman’s Mission to Challenge Gender Norms in Albania

Milaqi: Timak operates in a traditionally male-dominated industry. What challenges did you face as a woman founding and leading this company, and how did you overcome them?
 
Puca: The challenges were significant. From scepticism about my capabilities to outright bias, I faced numerous obstacles. Many people couldn’t believe that a woman could lead a company in such a technical and demanding field. To overcome these challenges, I relied on my knowledge, perseverance, and the support of my team. I focused on delivering exceptional results, which gradually changed perceptions. I also made it a priority to mentor and support other women in the industry, demonstrating that gender should never be a barrier to success.

Milaqi: Have you found any unique advantages to being a female business owner in this industry?
 
Puca: Absolutely. Women are often perceived as more trustworthy in business, which is crucial when negotiating with potential clients. Also, a woman leading in this field attracts positive media attention and brand visibility. Additionally, it opens doors to networks and support systems dedicated to promoting women in business, turning our uniqueness into a powerful asset.
 
Milaqi: Your company has two core philosophies: contributing to Albania and promoting women in male-dominated businesses. Can you elaborate on how Timak embodies these principles?
 
Arjeta Puca: Our commitment to these philosophies is evident in everything we do. We contribute to Albania by creating jobs, advancing technological capabilities, and participating in international projects that bring recognition to our country. Our products, proudly made in Albania, are now in more than 20 countries. Promoting women in male-dominated businesses is a core value for us. We ensure women are involved in every aspect of our production process, from design and engineering to manufacturing and management. We believe diverse perspectives lead to better innovation and solutions.
 
Milaqi: Timak’s ambulances and emergency vehicles have been delivered to war zones around the world, including Libya, Ukraine, and Israel. How does it feel to know that your products are making such a significant impact globally?
 
Arjeta Puca: It’s incredibly fulfilling to know our products are making a real difference in some of the most challenging environments in the world. Delivering ambulances and emergency vehicles to war zones means we are contributing to saving lives and providing critical support where it’s needed most. It also showcases the reliability and quality of our work, proving that Timak can meet the highest standards of performance and durability.
 
Milaqi: What initiatives or collaborations have you participated in to support women in your industry or related fields?

Puca: We actively collaborate with professional schools, offering internships to young women. This practical experience is invaluable in preparing them for careers in our industry. Additionally, we aspire to establish our own private professional school in the future to further support and train girls in these professions. By creating such opportunities, we aim to build a strong pipeline of female talent.

Milaqi: Do you believe there are specific skills or qualities that women bring to leadership roles that are particularly beneficial in your industry?

Puca: Absolutely. Women tend to have a meticulous attention to detail, which is crucial in manufacturing and production. They also approach their work with passion and dedication, often going beyond mere financial motivations. This level of commitment translates into high-quality products. Furthermore, women’s collaborative and empathetic leadership styles can foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Milaqi: What changes would you like to see in the industry to further promote gender equality?

Puca: I would like to see more companies taking proactive steps to include girl interns in their workforce. This exposure is essential for young women to see firsthand that these roles are attainable and not restricted by gender biases. Additionally, there should be a stronger emphasis on diversity and inclusion training within organizations to address unconscious biases and create a more equitable workplace.

Milaqi: Looking ahead, what are your goals for advancing gender equality within your business and the broader industry?

Puca: Our goal is to serve as a role model and showcase the impact and success we have achieved with a predominantly female workforce. By promoting our experiences and results, we hope to inspire other companies to adopt similar practices and foster a culture of gender equality.
 
Milaqi: And finally, what advice would you give to other women looking to enter or excel in this male-dominated field?
 Puca: I encourage women to explore opportunities in new sectors without limiting themselves to traditionally female-dominated fields. There are numerous advantages and opportunities available in male-dominated industries.
 
 
 
About Arjeta Puca:
Arjeta Puca is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the founder of Timak, one of Albania’s leading machinery and superstructure companies. With a rich background in engineering and international business, Arjeta spent many years honing her skills in Germany, Japan, and Turkey before returning to Albania to establish Timak in 2016. Under her leadership, Timak has achieved significant milestones, including becoming the first Albanian producer of military vehicles and delivering high-quality emergency vehicles to over 20 countries. Arjeta is renowned for her dedication to promoting gender equality in male-dominated industries, employing a predominantly female workforce, and actively supporting women through educational initiatives and professional development. Her dynamic leadership and innovative vision have made her a respected figure in the global manufacturing industry. Outside of her professional life, Arjeta enjoys motorcycling, traveling, and engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities, reflecting her adventurous and determined spirit.
 
About TIMAK:
TIMAK’s mission is to contribute to the development of Albania by making domestic production with high quality and to create opportunities and support women in male-dominated industries.  The organisation has earned its place among Albania’s leading machinery and superstructure companies since 2016 and provides high-quality services in more than 20 countries.

It focuses on the production, conversion, and installation of structures of various vehicles, such as ambulances, defence and security vehicles, fire trucks, water tanks, winter and summer maintenance vehicles, sewage machines, pile drivers, mobile truck solutions and other similar conversions.