Women’s Entrepreneurship Day: women leading the transformation of the energy sector
Nov 19, 2024
Committed
I’m sure that, throughout your childhood, and on more than one occasion, you have been asked the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It may seem like a simple question, but it is not. Because how can you want to be something you don’t know exists?
The lack of female role models is one of the main reasons why many women do not pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, known as STEM training.
Precisely in order to make visible examples of women dedicated to this type of knowledge, at the beginning of 2022 Enagás launched the #EllasTeLoCuentan campaign, which has recently celebrated its first anniversary It stars women of different ages, profiles and positions, who have used testimonial videos to talk about what they wanted to be when they were young girls, the achievements they have reached throughout their professional career in the energy sector and how they have achieved them.
The lack of female role models is one of the main reasons why many women do not pursue STEM-oriented careers
The energy sector has been traditionally male. The areas of knowledge required have historically been more in demand by men, so incorporating women into certain professional profiles can be a challenge for companies.
“What we have tried to do with #EllasTeLoCuentan is to impact on all types of female talent as broadly as possible, although our challenge is mainly in infrastructure operation positions, where we have few women,” says Teresa Blanco, Diversity and Engagement Manager at Enagás.
To this end, the company sees it as fundamental to give visibility – through various means, such as this campaign – to female role models, “so that girls and young women who are studying know that our sector offers great opportunities,” she says.
The energy sector is one of the most important sectors of the global economy and its evolution is key to addressing the challenges of climate change and the transition to a sustainable economy. But this evolution also needs to take place from an inclusive perspective that takes into account all people and their communities, so that the transformation is equally just.
Diverse talent is essential to find innovative responses to, for example, emission reduction targets, the integration of a European energy market or the creation of a market for renewable gases.
Profile diversity can be a determining factor in meeting the challenges that the sector faces
In the words of Rosa Nieto, Technical Services Manager at Enagás Transporte, “it is essential to raise awareness and publicise the importance of sectors such as the energy sector for society, as well as the professional development opportunities it offers” for women.
Profile diversity can be decisive in facing the challenges of the sector: it improves decision-making, increases creativity, strengthens people’s commitment, attracts new talent and increases empathy in the team, among other benefits.
With regard to this point, Ángela Rodríguez, Maintenance Technician at the Enagás LNG plant in Huelva, says that, unlike in the past, “today, women have the opportunity to study what they really like, and the energy sector offers so many possibilities that it is very attractive.”
Many initiatives can empower female talent and achieve equality in the energy sector, but action is needed from different perspectives, such as:
Having more women in the energy sector will undoubtedly lead to an energy sector that is more sustainable, more equitable and is more prepared for the future.
With initiatives such as #EllasTeLoCuentan, Enagás is focusing on one of the most important issues to change the gender gap in the energy sector: giving visibility to female leaders. Because without these role models, breaking the glass ceiling or achieving greater interest in STEM careers seems difficult to achieve.