FOR decades, women have had limited involvement in the global oil and gas sector. But in Guyana, an emerging oil powerhouse, that narrative is changing. Women are being given unprecedented opportunities to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and help shape the future of the industry. They are not just benefitting from the sector’s growth; they are actively helping to drive it.
Across several oil and gas companies, women hold influential positions in engineering, management, human resources, and leadership. Others have successfully built businesses that provide vital services to the oil and gas supply chain. This talent and entrepreneurial spirit were on full display at the recently held Women in Energy forum.
The forum, organised and led by women in the industry, is dedicated to empowering participants through networking, mentorship, and education. It offers a platform to forge connections, expand opportunities, and share the knowledge needed to overcome industry challenges.
This year’s theme, “Inclusivity in Oil: Today’s Efforts for Guyana’s Future,” brought together a diverse group of participants—from teenage students still in school to young entrepreneurs making their first strides into the sector. Carefully tailored presentations, breakout sessions, and interactive activities gave attendees a clearer understanding of how the oil and gas industry operates, as well as practical insights on how they could seize the opportunities available.
Participants didn’t just listen, they engaged. They asked questions, held one-on-one discussions, and received guidance from a line-up of accomplished industry professionals, including engineers, human resource managers, general managers, and CEOs—many of them women. The forum also helped dismantle a common misconception: success in oil and gas is limited to those with technical skills. There are multiple pathways to enter and excel in the sector.
ExxonMobil Guyana has been at the forefront of creating such pathways. Its AccelerateHer programme, for instance, provides women entrepreneurs with business acceleration workshops and professional mentorship. The initiative has become one of the most impactful in helping women owners, operators, and managers develop leadership skills, strengthen their businesses, and navigate Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy.
Youth engagement is also a key focus. This year, more than 200 girls from Grades 9 to 11 took part in the Girls in Gear Engineering Workshop—a hands-on experience that included building rockets and constructing bridges from everyday materials. Guided by professionals from companies like Baker Hughes and TechnipFMC, participants gained early exposure to engineering while helping to close gender gaps in STEM fields.
The Regional Accelerated Specialised STEM Readiness (RASSR) project, executed by the Greater Guyana Initiative in collaboration with the University of Guyana, also plays a crucial role. Targeting youth aged 10–12 nationwide, it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation—laying the foundation for the next generation of leaders and innovators. While not exclusively for girls, female participation and engagement remain strong.
Guyana’s oil and gas industry is young, dynamic, and increasingly inclusive. By creating equal access to opportunities and resources, it is ensuring that women are not just participants but leaders in shaping the country’s energy future.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.