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By Candice Oliver, Country Head for Human Resources (HR) Africa at Wärtsilä
The energy sector has long been a male-dominated industry, not just in South Africa but globally. Yet, as the world shifts towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce, the importance of female empowerment within this space has never been more critical. As we navigate the complexities of sustainable energy transitions and strive for greater innovation, one truth becomes increasingly clear: the future of energy is inextricably linked to the empowerment of women.
Since Wärtsilä is a multi-national company, its focus is on prioritising professional growth and providing an inclusive culture for all. Working in this field allows one to contribute to the development of sustainable and reliable energy sources, which has a significant impact on society.
However, the path to progress is not without its challenges. Women still encounter hurdles in the workplace, including the persistent struggle for work-life balance, the double standards that demand women “prove themselves much more than men,” and the lack of robust networking and role models. These challenges are not unique to the energy sector, but their impact is acutely felt in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
The driving force behind our company’s commitment to achieving 50% female employment is a testament to my belief in the power of diversity and inclusion. Currently the company has 30% female employment, a statistic that continues to grow year on year. Globally we emphasise creating an inclusive culture that drives engagement and performance which is one of the priorities in our People Strategy in which we value, respect, and embrace diversity and inclusion (D&I).
A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions and better decision making. Studies have shown that companies with higher gender diversity tend to perform better financially. For instance, gender diverse companies are 21% more likely to have above-average profitability.
This commitment extends beyond mere numbers. It’s about creating a workplace culture that truly empowers women and embraces inclusive leadership, offers equal career opportunities, and celebrates individual strengths. Practical steps that employers can take to achieve this goal include setting clear goals, encouraging open communication, creating supportive policies, providing mentorship programmes, and investing in training programmes that focus on leadership and negotiation skills.
The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain immensely from increased female participation. According to Stellenbosch University, South Africa has seen gradual progress in this area, however, the numbers remain low; only 13% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing) graduates are women, and just 7% of engineers registered with ECSA are female1 . To change this narrative, it is very important to expose young girls to engineering and energy careers early on.
The appointment of female leaders, such as Wärtsilä’s Managing Director in South Africa, Feroza Cassim, proves that women can excel in top roles.
The benefits of having more women in leadership positions are many. Female leaders often demonstrate transformational leadership styles, bringing different perspectives and approaches that lead to better performance and improved team collaboration. Moreover, their visibility inspires the next generation and creates opportunities for mentorship, fostering greater retention and employee engagement.
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Mentorship, in particular, has been a cornerstone of my own career. It kickstarts your professional development, you gain confidence and it often leads to a broader self-discovery. My approach to mentoring emphasises empowering mentees to take ownership of their growth, sharing her experiences, and introducing them to key stakeholders.
Increasing women’s participation in the energy sector is not just beneficial, it is essential; it’s a strategic imperative. Where women are given the opportunity, it will drive efficiency in remarkable ways. Empowering women in the energy sector can greatly contribute to economic growth by unlocking new sources of expertise, talent and creativity.
My advice for young women considering a career in the energy sector is: ask questions, be confident in your ideas and thoughts and always understand the impact of your work on others. The energy sector is an ever-changing landscape, at the forefront of renewable trends, offering diverse career opportunities and meaningful investments for the future.
As South Africa navigates its energy challenges, embracing female empowerment is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic necessity. By creating inclusive environments, fostering mentorship, and championing diversity, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce and build a sustainable energy future for all.
References:
1. https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10710
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