Women in Engineering Day: 5 opportunities to promote their participation in the energy sector.

In Peru, women represent only 30% of graduates in engineering careers, and in Latin America, this figure varies between 20% and 35% depending on the country, according to a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and UN Women. This report also details statistics on women's participation in engineering careers in Latin America and the Caribbean (2020).

In a sector traditionally dominated by men, the presence of women engineers in the energy sector is gaining strength. Patricia Medina, Human Management Manager of Celepsa, a company of the UNACEM Group, highlights the importance of promoting female participation in different areas, especially encouraging greater inclusion of women engineers in the energy industry. For this reason, it presents five opportunities to close the gap.

1. Sponsorship and scholarship programs: Sponsorship and scholarship programs are critical to the professional development of women in engineering. These programs can help female engineers overcome barriers and advance their careers by providing role models and strategic connections. "At Celepsa, we are committed to sustainable education and supporting people with potential. Therefore, in collaboration with UTEC - Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, we have awarded a scholarship to a female student to complete her university education with the necessary financial and academic support."
2. Continuing education: Constant training is essential in a field as dynamic as energy. "Encouraging access to specialized courses, workshops and certifications is relevant to keep us updated and competitive." It is important to promote gender equality initiatives in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) areas, ensuring that female engineers have equal opportunities for professional growth.
3. Gender equality policies: Implementing and reinforcing gender equality policies within companies is indispensable for creating an inclusive work environment. Policies, for example, that ensure pay equity and merit-based promotion opportunities. These policies not only benefit them, but also strengthen the company by harnessing the talents of all its personnel.
4. Participation and creation of forums and affinity groups: Creating forums and affinity groups can provide a safe space for women to share experiences, challenges and strategies. "These groups foster a sense of community and belonging, which is vital to the well-being and retention of female talent," explains Medina. 
5. Recognition: While recognition is an entitlement we all have, it is important to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in the energy sector. It is key to give them the space and opportunity to showcase them to inspire future generations. "The visibility of successful female engineers breaks stereotypes and demonstrates that it is possible to achieve high levels of leadership," says Medina. 

Patricia Medina concludes: "The road to gender equity in the energy sector is a collective effort, where the company and its team must be united. At Celepsa, through our corporate program Voces Unidas, we frame our diversity, equity and inclusion actions.  We build an inclusive and, above all, safe work space for the development of our female engineers, promoting together the energy transition that we seek as a company and industry, always betting on sustainable development".