Women Remain Severely Underrepresented in Energy Sector, Warns Equality Commissioner at EGYPES

Adham mohamed2 hours ago

Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, participated on Wednesday at the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES), the largest and most important Energy Conference and Exhibition in Egypt, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, held in Cairo under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. She noted, inter alia, that women remain underrepresented in the energy sector.
According to a statement, Christodoulou took part in the discussion on “The Power of Accountability and Action-Centred Leadership.”
As noted, in her opening remarks, she emphasized the importance of responsible and action-centered leadership, especially in the energy sector, which, she said, plays a decisive role in the global economy and is characterized by rapid developments.
The Commissioner noted that modern and effective leadership in the energy sector requires a combination of accountability, a clear vision, and action—elements that foster innovation, resilience, and collaboration within organizations, continues the statement, adding that Christodoulou emphasized that the equal participation of women in decision-making is a key pillar of this leadership, particularly in a critical and rapidly evolving sector where sustainable and inclusive solutions are required.
It is added that, at the same time, the Commissioner pointed out that, despite the documented benefits of balanced representation, women remain underrepresented in the energy sector, both in the workforce and in leadership positions, while also facing wage inequalities. As she noted, strengthening their presence is not only a matter of equality but also a necessary prerequisite for sustainable development, fostering innovation, and effectively addressing the challenges associated with the energy and climate crisis.
In closing, Christodoulou highlighted the need to adopt targeted policies that ensure the equal participation of women and men in decision-making, as well as the cultivation of leadership models based on accountability, action, and inclusion.
On the sidelines of the event, the Commissioner, accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Cairo, Poly Ioannou, held meetings with, among others, the President of the National Council for Women of Egypt, Judge Amal Amar, the Deputy Representative of UN Women in the country, Marwa Allam El Din, and a delegation of women from the EmpowerMed Women network of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), the statement concludes.