The month of March is all about celebrating women. For me, it’s the month of recognizing the untold efforts of groundbreaking female leaders, their journeys, aspirations and of course, their challenges. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today, I can’t help but reflect upon how women are conquering structural obstacles and systemic bias, especially in a male-dominated sector like oil and gas. I remember interviewing a female energy professional who talked about how offshore platforms had no changing rooms for women when she began her career in the 1980s, and shared her struggles as the only female offshore engineer on the platform.
Thankfully, we have come a long way since then. Now more than ever, the benefits of a diverse workforce are growing apparent as the industry seeks to refocus its attention to human capital amid monumental disruption to a low-carbon future. Even though gender diversity progress is tepid, women in the oil and gas sector are doing a fantastic job at shattering outdated workplace stereotypes and challenging the make-up of traditionally ‘male’ roles. Whether it’s making decisions in the board room or working long shifts as field engineers, women are slowly breaking the glass ceilings in the energy sector.
One such wonder woman is featured in our cover story this month. We share the success story and vision of Gina Fyffe, founder and CEO of Integra Petrochemicals, who has steered the company to success with her unique approach and exceptional leadership skills. Fyffe shares insights on the company’s history, growth, and how she prioritises diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Also, don’t miss this exclusive video titled ‘What’s your Superpower?’ featuring females across businesses who are challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers.
One such woman is Angela De Vincentis, senior director of operations at the Jebel Ali Fabrication Yard for McDermott International, who began her career working for deepwater projects in West Africa as an offshore method engineer based out of Paris. A few years down the line, she shifted her career to fabrication and moved her life to Angola.
“Take some time in deciding who you want to be and where you want to go,” she advises young women aspiring to establish a career in the industry.
“When you’re ready to start your journey proudly, don’t let anyone decide for you and if you find a barrier on your journey, just fight them positively,” she adds.
