A new initiative aimed at tackling the gender gap in the oil and gas industry will be launched later this month.
The Aberdeen X-Industry Support (AXIS) network will hold its inaugural event on September 17. The organisation was formed to encourage greater gender diversity in what has historically been a male-dominated sector.
“In an industry where so many significant advancements have been made, it is surprising that typical career issues faced by females and which many other industries have overcome are still commonplace in oil and gas industry. Examples of these are returning to work after having family or a conflict of interests for a couple who both work in the industry,” said Irene Hannah, chair of AXIS network.
“So far, we have had great support from individuals and employers who recognise that women can play a vital role in helping to address the skills shortage and driving the industry forward in the years to come.”
The launch event will host a number of guest speakers and representatives from the energy industry and will be held at the Fabric of the Land art exhibition in Aberdeen’s Union Square with the theme ‘Better balance, better business’.
LR Senergy, Dana Petroleum, Shell and Talisman-Sinopec Energy have all lent their support to the initiative.
Speakers on the night will include – Oonagh Werngren, operations director at Oil and Gas UK, Arthur Soucy, president of Europe, Africa and Caspian for Baker Hughes, Brian MacMillan, business development manager at Halliburton and Irene Hannah, contracts and procurement manager for Shell and chair of AXIS.
The inaugural event will be by invitation only, with future gatherings open to all.
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