New organisation to address gender diversity across the energy industry

On 17 September, a new UK networking organisation set up to address gender diversity across the energy industry with a predominant focus on increasing female retention will be officially launched.

Independent forum in Aberdeen

Aberdeen X-Industry Support (AXIS) network aims to foster a collaborative environment that delivers business value by connecting professionals, both male and female, by being an independent forum for sharing industry best practice and providing access to role models and mentors.

Irene Hannah, Chair of AXIS network, said: “In an industry where so many significant advancements have been made, it is surprising that typical career issues faced by females and which many other industries have overcome are still commonplace in oil and gas industry. Examples of these are returning to work after having family or a conflict of interests for a couple who both work in the industry.” 

Launch event

The invitation-only launch event with guest speakers and numerous representatives from the energy industry will be held on Wednesday, 17 September, at the Fabric of the Land art exhibition in Aberdeen’s Union Square with the theme ‘Better balance, better business’. 

Following the success of the Women into Industry lunch at Offshore Europe 2013, a number of the participants from a diverse range of backgrounds decided to build upon the collaborative approach to form AXIS.

The organisation has already received significant support from LR Senergy, Dana Petroleum along with Shell, Talisman-SinospecEnergy UK Ltd and Thor Holt Ltd.

Speakers on the night include:

• Oonagh Werngren, Operations Director at Oil and Gas UK.
• Arthur Soucy, President of Europe, Africa and Caspian for Baker Hughes.
• Brian MacMillan, Business Development Manager at Halliburton.
• Irene Hannah, Contracts and Procurement Manager for Shell and Chair of AXIS.

Adapted from press release by Cecilia Rehn

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/04092014/new-axis-organisation-to-address-gender-diversity-across-the-energy-industry/