Every year on February 11th, we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of achieving full and equal access and participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is also a day to renew our commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, a crucial fight for scientific and technological progress in the 21st century.

Women’s role in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is of utmost importance. Many studies show that female participation in STEM fields offers higher economic stability. Companies with more women almost always outperform their competitors, tending to have better results and performance than companies with less gender diversity. However, despite having these indicators caused by women’s participation, the oil and gas sector displays a deficiency in female involvement, especially in leadership positions.

According to a Boston Consulting Group study on reducing the gender gap in the oil and gas sector, the industry has one of the lowest percentages of female participation with only 22% in Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member countries. 

The figures are even more troubling when analyzing female participation in leadership positions in the sector. Worldwide, women account for an estimated 17% of senior/executive-level positions in the industry and only 1% of CEO positions.

The benefits of gender diversity in leadership are clear, but the imbalance is overwhelming and the data truly disturbing. Why does the industry present this reality, and what can we do to break the glass ceiling in our industry?

According to BCG, among the main challenges to attracting and retaining more women in the industry are the following:

  • Education: the low number of girls and women pursuing technical studies.
  • Development and work-life balance: structural barriers in the oil and gas sector that hinder women’s growth and work and family balance.
  • Stereotypes: an established male culture that still prevails in most of the sector.

I personally believe that these challenges must be addressed in a comprehensive manner, considering the broad set of factors that undermine women’s participation in all socio-economic sectors. Moreover, it is vital to identify and recognize women seeking to make a place for themselves while also promoting wage and employment equality in all aspects of their careers.

The contribution of women is essential for the sector to have a bright future. Following this idea, I wanted to talk to Paola León, advisor and leader in innovation, research, and technological development for Nakasawa Resources, about her professional profile and what she thinks, are the challenges women face in the sector.

 

by info@nakasawaresources.com