Colombian Women Empowerment Boost in the Oil and Gas Industry Through Programs Conducted by Volunteers

Abstract

SPE Colombian Section in the last three years has implemented different initiatives with the objective of promoting and empowering the skills of women throughout their life cycle that is directly or indirectly involved in the oil and gas industry. These initiatives were created to address the reality of the country that despite the majority of the population is female (51.2%), the country does not represent gender equity since most senior officials are occupied by males (66%). The strategy to contribute to the empowerment of women was organized into three groups, thus managing to intervene in each stage of their life, which are:Childhood: Girls and adolescents who are located in areas of influence of our oil industry.Young professionals: New graduates of undergraduate programs related to the oil and gas industry.Professional women: Women who throughout their lives had contact with the hydrocarbon industry. This document summarizes the efforts made by SPE COLOMBIA to promote gender equity in the Oil and gas sector, thus motivating women, adolescents and girls to move towards a higher standard, improve their conditions and position as a leaders from their own environment through STEM vocational exploration activities (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics), mentoring by senior industry professionals, professional coaching and networking workshops. With these activities, it has been shown again that the empowerment of women and girls has a multiplier effect and helps to promote economic growth and development throughout the world. In recent years, there has been an increase in the participation of women in the activities of the SPE Colombian Section, the promotion of inclusion in their companies and an improvement in their confidence to face the world. Similarly, the importance of men in achieving gender equality was identified, they can contribute to the social and professional development of women.