The increasing presence of women in business is driving innovation, sustainability and operational excellence. Oil and gas multinational company Shell recognises the critical role that women play in shaping the future of the industry. Their diverse perspectives, unique skills and commitment to sustainable practices are vital to the company’s success. This article explores the importance of women in business through the lens of this oil and gas company, highlighting their contributions, the challenges they face and the initiatives it supports to promote gender equality and inclusion.

The Evolution of Women in the Oil and Gas Industry

Historically, the oil and gas industry has been characterised by its rugged and demanding nature, often leading to a workforce dominated by men. However, the landscape is changing as more women enter the field and take on leadership roles. According to the World Petroleum Council, the representation of women in the industry has increased significantly over the past decade, with women now holding key positions in engineering, operations and executive management.

The presence of women in business is not just a matter of diversity; it is a strategic advantage. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and achieve higher levels of performance. Women bring unique perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, which are essential in an industry that is constantly evolving and facing complex challenges. Their contributions are helping to drive technological advancements, improve safety standards and promote sustainable practices.

Women Driving Innovation and Sustainability

Innovation is at the heart of every industry and women are playing a pivotal role in driving technological advancements. From developing new drilling techniques to improving energy efficiency, women are leading the way in creating solutions that enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact. Their contributions are essential in an industry that is increasingly focused on sustainability and minimising its ecological footprint.

One of the key areas where women are making a significant impact is in the development of renewable energy sources. As the world shifts towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, the oil and gas industry is also evolving to embrace these changes. Women leaders are at the forefront of this transition, spearheading initiatives that promote the use of renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is helping to ensure that the industry can meet the demands of the future while minimising its impact on the planet.

The Role of Women in Operational Excellence

Shell understands that efficiency, safety and reliability are paramount. Women are making significant contributions to improving operational performance across all aspects of the industry. From managing complex projects to implementing cutting-edge technologies, women are driving initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce costs and improve safety standards.

In the field of engineering, women are playing a vital role in designing and developing advanced technologies that improve the efficiency and safety of drilling operations. Their expertise in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence and data analytics is helping to revolutionise the industry, enabling companies to operate more efficiently and safely. Women engineers are also leading efforts to improve the reliability and performance of equipment, ensuring that operations run smoothly and without interruptions.

In addition to their technical expertise, women bring strong leadership and management skills. Women leaders are known for their collaborative and inclusive approach to management, which fosters a positive work environment and encourages innovation. Their ability to build strong teams and motivate employees is essential in an industry that relies on a skilled and engaged workforce. By promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, women leaders are helping to drive operational success and achieve long-term business goals.

Overcoming Challenges and Barriers

While the representation of women in the oil and gas industry has increased, significant challenges and barriers remain. Gender bias, discrimination and lack of opportunities for career advancement are still prevalent in many parts of the industry. Women often face difficulties in gaining access to leadership roles and are underrepresented in technical and engineering positions.

To address these challenges, Shell is committed to promoting gender equality and inclusion. We have implemented a range of initiatives to support the development and advancement of women in our workforce. These include mentorship programmes, leadership training and initiatives to promote work-life balance. By providing women with the resources and support they need to succeed, we are helping to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.

The contributions of women are worth celebrating. Their achievements in driving innovation, improving operational performance and promoting sustainability are helping to shape the future of the industry. By recognising and celebrating the success of women in business, we can inspire the next generation of female leaders and encourage more women to pursue careers in the oil and gas sector.

A Spotlight on Shell Women

Refilwe Rundofa

Logistics and Contract Manager

Refilwe is celebrating 17 years this year in the oil & gas industry. Curiosity to learn, adapt and resilience has been key on her journey in this male-dominated industry.

As the Logistics and Contracts Manager, she oversees the coordination and optimisation of transportation and warehouse activities throughout the supply chain, ensuring the efficient and safe movement of Shell’s product while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and contractual obligations. She also manages day-to-day operational challenges, ensuring adherence to safety standards and the seamless execution of logistics strategies to meet client expectations.

Keneilwe Dikobe

Lubricants Services Expert

Keneilwe comes from a Mechanical Engineering background and joined Shell through the Technical Helpdesk Internship and was absorbed to Technical Helpdesk Advisor. Both mechanical engineering and technical fields are male-dominated which means women have to work extra hard to know their work and understand the industry in order to make any form of impact.

Her day-to-day activities revolve around educating customers across all sectors about the significance of lubricants as well as how quality lubricants have an impact on their daily operations through training and customer engagements. This includes engineers, foremen, artisans, mechanics, salespeople and the general public.

The Future of Women in Business

The future of industry depends on the contributions of talented and dedicated individuals, regardless of gender. By promoting gender equality and inclusion, we can ensure that our industry continues to thrive and evolve. Women in business are driving innovation, sustainability and operational excellence, and their contributions are essential to the success of our industry.

As it looks to the future, Shell is committed to supporting the development and advancement of women in its workforce. By providing women with the resources and support they need to succeed, it can create a more inclusive and equitable industry. Together, it can drive the future of industry and achieve its goals of innovation, sustainability and operational excellence.

Women in business are playing a crucial role in driving innovation, improving operational performance and promoting sustainability. Their contributions are essential to the success of the industry, and their achievements are worth celebrating. Shell is committed to promoting gender equality and inclusion and supporting the development and advancement of women in its workforce. By investing in the future of women in business, it can ensure that the industry continues to thrive and evolve, and achieve its goals of innovation, sustainability and operational excellence.