The Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare has charged women in the energy sector to remain a shining example to the younger generation of females interested in the field.
She urged women in the industry to be available for training, coaching and mentoring to support the development of young, future women’s careers in the energy workforce.
She stated that there is a need to increase gender diversity at management levels and empower more women in the technical areas of the sector.
The Chief of Staff made this statement at this year’s Women in Energy conference, which was themed ‘Energy Transition: Prospects for Women in Energy’
She added that the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education would inspire more women to pursue careers in science-related industries, such as the energy sector.
She commended the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) for its internship and mentorship programme which prepares female STEM students for energy sector careers.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Volta River Authority (VRA), Emmanuel Antwi – Darkwa also noted that there is a need to achieve an equitable balance in the energy workforce to leverage the opportunities presented by the new wave of energy transformation and clean energy transition.
He said that this year’s team is indicative of the need for innovation and creative ideas to address the challenges and opportunities that energy transition presents.
He advised that to get women into the energy ecosystem, the first step is to ensure that a significantly large number of girls enrol in the university after Senior High School.
This according to him should represent 70 – 80 per cent of women to create a high number in higher education.
Antwi-Dankwa added that we must as a country ensure a high intake of women in STEM to support the increase in diversity in the field.
“Once we have a large number of women in STEM, we can get them to take their place in the energy landscape” he explained.
He stressed that the issue of social stigma, and stereotyped gender roles can be addressed only when a large number of women are in the energy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer indicated that to get women into technology and energy in general, the universities must be supported to be hubs of innovation and creativity.
He advised women to appreciate the readiness to sacrifice in order to reach higher positions in the field.
“You need to invest in hard work, understand your career realities and also embrace creativity and innovation in your work processes,” he said.
Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse recommended that there should be facilitation in STEM education to work transition among women.
She noted that gender stereotypes about women’s role in the STEM field should be combated to increase women’s visibility and inclusivity in the sector.
She advocated for the redefinition of recruitment practices and the installation of Gender inclusivity to allow for flexible working hours and the provision of diversity and inclusive training and mentoring. Professor Nana Ama added that women in the energy sector must be supported financially as well as promoted in entrepreneurship.
