“Inspiring inclusion is about listening to someone’s voice – giving them the confidence to be heard, and the knowledge to be understood”.
The International Women’s Day 2024 (IWD 2024) is a global day (08th of March) which “celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality”. The theme of this year is to inspire inclusion, not just to “forge a better world at the global level, but to significantly increase a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment at the national and local levels”.
Conrad Energy focuses on both the employment, growth, and retention of female employees, who extend across the various functions within the company, including key positions such as Directors, Heads of Departments, Managers, and Assistant Managers, combining their industry experience and expertise with technical and commercial creativity. In addition, significant steps continue to be undertaken to encourage a culture that is open and collaborative, where creativity and innovation are truly valued. There is great emphasis on encouraging unity, so that we can function as one community.
In view of this year’s theme, we conducted a short online survey among all our female employees and asked them how they felt they were included, and how they promote inclusion within the workplace and beyond.
We received some very thought-provoking responses, and it re-established that the diverse backgrounds and skills of our employees are a key driver in making our business robust and helping us scale both rapidly and responsibly.
“By supporting and understanding the differences in your team and the people you work with, you help them work together, better.”
“To achieve this means educating everyone that anything other than inclusivity should not be tolerated, that everyone has the right to have their opinions heard and respected on the same level, to fundamentally understand that everyone, not just women, are empowered to safely speak up in any situation where inclusivity may be threatened, and to understand and support our differences.”
“I feel included within the team because I am not excluded from anything. I am not expected to act or behave in a certain way. I promote inclusion by showing other females they can work in this industry without it being unusual or being stereotypically a male dominated field.”
“I feel included as the people I work with ask for my opinion and listen to what I have to say – they acknowledge my experience and knowledge.”
“I promote inclusion by listening and talking to my colleagues and taking an interest in diversity. I believe our different backgrounds is what makes us interesting.”
“I feel included as I feel equally valued.”
“Inclusivity feels embedded within our culture, where we all are respected, given a voice and the freedom to pursue our ideas regardless of gender or any other characteristic. We all have a role to play in promoting inclusivity, by ensuring that in a situation where inclusivity may be jeopardized, we speak up and support one another, but also by encouraging and promoting initiatives to further our diverse workforce and culture.”
“Inspiring inclusion means fostering a space where every voice not only enriches our mosaic but defines its very essence. A space where together we harness our diverse strengths as the foundation of innovation, growth, and success.”
“I don’t think I have ever had to think about whether I am included or not at Conrad Energy, which shows that I am included! I promote inclusion by modelling hard work for my sons, so they grow up not seeing any difference in the jobs their parents have, and not assigning gender to work.”
Given the transition that many energy companies are currently undergoing, there is a wonderful opportunity to build a diverse talent pool with increased participation of women. After all, “creating a meritocratic and equitable environment where people can thrive, invest in growth, encourage development, and feel empowered” enables us to power a changing world.
Wishing you all a very Happy International Women’s Day 2024!
