-SLB’s senior official tells women
-urges them to take up their space in the energy industry

THE promising increase in women’s representation within Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector is setting the trend for barriers to be broken and for women to challenge the outdated status quo.
This was highlighted by the Managing Director of SLB for Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, Sharlene Seegoolam while giving the keynote address at the inaugural Women in Energy (WiE) Forum.
During her address, she made the call for women to speak up and make their imprint in male-dominated fields such as the oil and gas sector.

WiE held its inaugural forum on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) under the theme “Championing Women in the Energy Sector: Creating Pathways.”
Women who have been at the forefront of advocating and supporting fellow females and bringing attention to the grip that gender inequality has on society were present at the WiE forum. Among some of the key speakers were the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller and Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Adrienne Galanek.

According to Seegolam, who shared her story on how she became a leading woman in the energy sector, her goals are to ensure that citizens of those countries which possess all major resources have a space in the industry.
She then outlined how women are making an impact in the energy sector, even within those dangerous fields.

“In every part of the world, women are leading the charge in revolutionising how we produce, distribute and consume energy.”
Further, she stated that, despite their undeniable expertise and dedication, women remain underrepresented across the value chain in the energy sector.
“This needs to change!” Seegolam said.

In light of this, she noted that championing WiE is not just a matter of equity or a “numbers game” but instead a strategic necessity that is required to produce continued success and sustainability in the industry.
“Women bring unique perspectives, talents and insights to the table, driving innovation and enhancing decision making,” while adding that studies have even shown that, time and again, diversity can foster transformation and drive the success of a business.

Notably, she highlighted that WiE is not confined to a space created by an energy company but also energy adjacent and peripheral ones are important in advocating and supporting women.
Seegolam highlighted fields such as engineering, transport and logistics all play a critical role in fostering collaboration and partnerships with women in those areas.

The Managing Director then said that one cannot overlook the significance of embracing women in fields like food, marketing, education and research as these areas serve as the foundation for developing the next generation of innovative thinkers that will tackle global energy challenges.

Additionally, Seegolam outlined how both Guyana’s public and private sectors are rolling out measures to ensure the development of women along with gender balance.

CREATING PATHWAYS
A multi-faceted approach which addresses both the systemic barriers and the individual needs is required to create pathways in the energy sector.
In this regard, Seegolam said that there needs to be continued investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and vocational training programmes. She also noted that as an industry there needs to be cooperation to develop the supply chain so that companies can grow.

“Here’s the thing, creating pathways does not need to be complicated. There are many best practices in our industry and others,” the Managing Director related.
Further, during her impassioned address, she challenged women to: “Pay it forward, challenge the status quo. It can be as big as advocacy for policy, partnerships, to provide opportunities for young women or small as ensuring the women in your organisation have space to contribute and excel…”

“Let’s reaffirm our commitment to championing women in the energy industry and to create pathways to opportunities across all sectors of the energy landscape. Let’s embrace diversity, foster inclusion and empower women to lead. To our young women in the room, there are many pathways to a career in the energy industry. There is space for you in the energy industry. Unlock your why, and take that space,” Seegolam said.

Additionally, the British High Commissioner echoed similar sentiments. As she emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment in the energy sector, Miller told women to claim their seat.
Additionally, Galanek outlined what is needed for gender equality and how crucial it is for more women to participate in the energy sector.