International Women’s Day : when women in the energy sector speak out

Every 8 March, International Women’s Rights Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in terms of equality, but also on the road ahead. Within our Group, we have committed, expert and passionate female employees who are helping to change the status quo. This year, seven of them are sharing their views and advice with us. 

Different paths, same determination

It is common to describe the energy sector as “historically male.” According to our female colleagues, however, this label should not deter women from joining the industry. For Chloé, an Export Sales Executive in the Maintenance & Equipment Supply department at RTE international, the message is clear: competence is not defined by gender. “I believe that a profession should not be associated with a specific gender,” she says. She hopes that one day, the question of whether women feel entitled to join the energy sector will no longer arise.

Lamia, a Power System Engineer at RTE international, echoes this view: “Being a young woman in this sector is both a challenge and an opportunity : to show that technical expertise knows no gender.” In her view, the diversity of profiles within engineering teams is primarily a driver of innovation and performance.

Naëlle, a Business lawyer at RTE international, emphasizes that she “comes to work first and foremost as an expert.” She feels she operates in a supportive environment, although she sometimes regrets still feeling the need to “prove her legitimacy more than others.”

Mona, a Software Engineer at RTE international since 2022, aimed to return to a highly technical core role focused on software development. Today, she works on multiple projects combining development, deployment, and project management. When she discovered her passion for technology and decided to pursue an engineering degree, she recalls: “I never questioned whether it was a male or female environment. What mattered to me was the interest in the work itself.”

In practice, she notes that computing remains a predominantly male field: during her studies, she was the only woman in her first cohort. Yet in daily work, gender seems secondary: “I mostly see competent and interesting people.”

At MAI Group, Alma, who works in the Finance department, describes the sector as richer than she had imagined, particularly regarding sustainability challenges. Being a young woman in this industry is, she says, “highly motivating.” Beyond the sector itself, she hopes to see “more women in strategic and decision-making positions, as this is crucial for both organisational effectiveness and broader societal impact.”

Camila, Consultant at Management Consulting Unit (MAI Group), shares this perspective. During her studies in energy economics, she discovered “a fascinating world.” She now appreciates the path paved by previous generations: “Thanks to the careers of many women before us, I have the freedom to choose my own path.”

Fatima leads the commercial unit dedicated to the private market within MAI Group’s Energy division. With nearly twenty years of experience in renewable energies, from consultancy to commercial management, including project oversight and a career break to care for her daughter, she describes a career as complex as it is rewarding, one she has always approached without fear. In the field, across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, she observes an encouraging trend: “I see more and more women participating in meetings and engaging in numerous projects. This is a very positive sign.”

She notes, however, that inequalities persist in some contexts and women may still feel the need to prove themselves: “They sometimes have to work even harder, but this in no way means they are less capable.”

All our female colleagues agree on one point: the situation is moving in the right direction.

« Dare! », a powerful message that unites everyone

This year, one word stands out as a common thread across all testimonies: Dare. Fittingly, it is also one of the core values embodied by RTE international and MAI Group.

“Don’t put up barriers before you’ve even tried” says Chloé. “Dare to go for it, share your opinion, speak up” adds Naëlle. Lamia reinforces this point: “Dare to apply, dare to ask questions, dare to take your place.”

Alma and Camila agree on seizing every opportunity as a chance to learn and to cultivate self-confidence. Fatima adds: “Believe in your abilities and never lose faith in your legitimacy.” Mona shares the same view, with a personal dimension: “The key is not to self-censor. I want my daughter to know she can do whatever she chooses in the future.”

A momentum to sustain in supporting the energy’s sector transformation

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to highlight the careers and contributions of women in the energy sector, and to recognise that today’s progress is the result of long-term, collective efforts.

The testimonies of female colleagues at RTE international and MAI Group show that change is happening: more and more women are pursuing careers in this field, including in technical, commercial, and project management roles.

Supporting these career paths and continuing to open up the sector to a wider pool of talent remains essential to driving the energy transition in the years ahead.

We extend our thanks to Chloé, Naëlle, Lamia, Mona, Camila, Alma, and Fatima for their time and for sharing their insights so candidly.