By Deputy Minister Thembisile Majola
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"410830","attributes":{"class":"media-image","height":"125","id":"1","style":"width: 97px; height: 125px; float: left; margin: 3px;;;;","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"97"}}]]South Africa’s energy industry needs more women to be a part of this booming sector so that its benefits can be equitability spread for a greater economic and social impact.
The sector offers a myriad business opportunities for women in oil, gas, electricity generation, distribution, retail and renewal. However, while women are important contributors in an array of the industries, their participation in the energy sector is limited.
The Department of Energy has been working to turn the situation around and ensure the greater involvement of women in the sector.
We hosted a number of successful workshops around the country to encourage women to get involved in the fast-growing energy sector. The workshops also linked them with government departments, private companies, business associations and state-owned entities.
South African women can make their mark by becoming entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and leaders within the energy field. There is an abundance of business opportunities for women in renewables, nuclear, hydrocarbons, electricity, energy efficiency and special projects such as solar water heating.
Our renewable energy, energy efficiency and nuclear programmes are relatively new areas of business where substantial investments are being directed and these offer viable opportunities.
Government is supporting women through its empowerment legislation and policies that redress past inequalities where women bore the brunt of the triple yoke of oppression of race, class and gender.
While there have been numerous strides to advance women over the last 21 years, many, particularly black women in rural areas, continue to be economically marginalised.
The full potential of women on the economic front is still to be realised as the remnants of apartheid and societal obstacles continue to prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Government has therefore created institutional capacity dedicated to their development and prosperity. The Gender Equality Bill was introduced to accelerate the empowerment of women and attain 50/50 gender parity for the country.
We are also facilitating access to formally employment for women through the Employment Equity Act where employers are legally required to work towards more equitable representation based on gender, race and disability.
The Department of Energy has developed policies and regulations in line with the national policy to ensure adequate support for women in small and emerging businesses.
Women are being provided with the critical information they need to become successful in the energy industry and make a difference in their lives and contribute to the economic development of the country.
We have seen that affordable and accessible modern energy unlocks access to improved healthcare, education, economic opportunities and a better quality of life. On the other hand, those without access are constrained in their social and economic development.
Importantly, we must encourage young women to study technical subjects such as science, engineering and mathematics. These open opportunities for better paying jobs in the energy sector.
We also encourage our girl children to reach for the sky and not be bound by patriarchy, gender stereotypes or sexism. Let us break the chains that confine women to the periphery so that they can take centre stage in shaping their future.
Government believes that when women are empowered families thrive, communities are safer and economies grow. Women entrepreneurs are also known to use profits from their business to improve their families’ living conditions and lifestyle.
We are actively breaking the barriers to entry for women in the energy sector by introducing them to networks and associations which give them the power to embrace economic opportunities.
Government believes these networks provide a formidable voice that helps shape the direction of business and influence policies. It will also allow them to be advocates for other women.
The Department of Energy encourages women to invest in the sector through Women in Oil and Energy South Africa - a group of companies that facilitate their participation in the oil, gas and energy sector. This initiative opens up opportunities for women to own, control and develop their businesses in the energy sector.
Government needs women to take the bold and decisive steps towards their economic emancipation, empowerment and social development through business opportunities in the energy sector.
Thembisile Majola is the Deputy Minister of Energy
