Axis to Address Gender Diversity in Oil & Gas

An innovative networking organization set up to address gender diversity across the energy industry with a predominant focus on increasing female retention is to be officially launched later this month on September 17.

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.

“We felt that whilst a variety of women’s networks exist within the industry, there is a need for a central organization that unites them in what has historically been a male dominated industry. By facilitating networking opportunities with professionals across the industry, AXIS aims to raise awareness and, hopefully, find solutions to the issues through engaging with influential industry professionals, sharing knowledge and practical solutions.

“AXIS is keen to support women at all stages of their careers as well as assisting the real need to continue to encourage females into the energy industry to start with. We are working towards showing there are a huge amount of opportunities to progress up the ladder or indeed diversify into other roles.”

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

Irene added, “So far, we have had great support from individuals and employers who recognize that women can play a vital role in helping to address the skills shortage and driving the industry forward in the years to come.”

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 organization 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

The inaugural event will be by invitation only, with future gatherings open to all.