International Women’s Day Q&A: Rana Alnasir-Boulos

Q: Could you tell me a bit about your current job role and career? Why did you choose to work in the pipeline/energy industry and what has been your experience of being a woman within this field so far?

A: As someone deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within traditionally male-dominated industries, such as energy and pipeline technology, I am thrilled at the prospect of sharing insights and perspectives on women's roles and contributions in this sector.

My journey into the pipeline and energy industry began as the Marketing Director at EITEP Institute, where I had the privilege of being part of Europe's largest pipeline technology conference. Despite initially stepping into the industry with limited knowledge, I quickly immersed myself in seminars, journals, and various resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Through my experiences, I have witnessed first-hand the invaluable contributions of women to the pipeline industry. From driving innovation to fostering diversity, women play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure. As Chairperson of the Global Women Forum (GWF) and Business Development Director at EITEP Institute, I have been fortunate to spearhead initiatives like Global Women in Pipeline at the Pipeline Technology Conference, aimed at connecting and inspiring women across the globe.

I am passionate about amplifying the voices of women in the pipeline industry and advocating for greater representation and opportunities. This platform emphasises women's pivotal role in fostering diversity and innovation in the pipeline industry. By creating a space for collaboration and empowerment, we enrich the industry with diverse perspectives and pave the way for a more inclusive business environment.

Q: What are some of the challenges facing women in the pipeline/energy industry?

A: Recruiting biases and prevailing misconceptions about gender roles present a number of problems for women working in the pipeline and energy industries, including limited access to training and professional growth possibilities. In comparison to their male colleagues, they frequently endure pay disparities, loneliness, and a lack of support. Obstacles include being shut out of decision-making processes and having restricted access to leadership positions, which can impede the advancement of a career. Workplace cultures that condone harassment or discrimination also erect additional obstacles. Initiatives that support gender diversity, mentorship programmes, anti-bias policies, and the development of positive work environments are all necessary to solve these issues.

Q: What advice would you give to women interested in a career in this sector?

A: For women interested in pursuing a career in the pipeline and energy sector, I would offer several pieces of advice. Firstly, it's essential to educate yourself about the industry, including its challenges and opportunities. This can involve attending seminars, workshops, and online courses to gain a solid understanding of relevant areas. Additionally, building a strong network of professionals in the industry is invaluable. Networking events, conferences, and online platforms are great avenues for connecting with mentors and peers who can provide guidance and support throughout your career journey.

Developing technical skills is crucial for success in this field. Consider pursuing education, training programmes, and hands-on experience to enhance your expertise in areas such as engineering, project management, and technology. Confidence and assertiveness are also key traits to cultivate.

Seeking mentorship can significantly impact the career trajectory. Looking for mentors who can offer valuable insights, advice, and support as one navigates their career path. Embracing challenges and opportunities for growth, even if they push you out of our comfort zone. Learning from setbacks and experiences will help developing resilience and adaptability, essential qualities in this dynamic industry.

Furthermore, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace is essential. Advocating for gender equality and representation, and support initiatives that foster an inclusive work environment. Lastly, staying updated on industry trends, advancements, and regulatory changes is crucial for staying competitive and relevant in the pipeline and energy sector.

To my mind following these pieces of advice, women can position themselves for success and make meaningful contributions to the industry.

Q: Could you tell me about an interesting project you have worked on or a personal achievement in your career?

A: One of the most rewarding projects I've worked on in my career is the establishment and development of the Global Women in Pipeline initiative within the frame of the Europe leading pipeline event, the Pipeline Technology Conference (ptc), and the Global Women in pipeline that has emerged from it.

These projects stemmed from my passion for promoting diversity and inclusion within traditionally male-dominated industries like energy and pipeline technology. Recognising the underrepresentation of women in these sectors, I saw an opportunity to create a platform that would highlight the significance of women's contributions and provide support and networking opportunities for women in the field.

The Global Women in Pipeline event serves as a powerful platform for women from oil and gas operators and service providers, as well as youth and academics, to share experiences, insights, and best practices, fostering collaboration and empowerment. Through engaging activities, discussions, and networking sessions, we emphasise the pivotal role women play in driving innovation and fostering diversity in the pipeline industry.

Seeing the impact of this initiative first-hand, from the inspiring stories shared by women participants to the connections forged and opportunities created, has been incredibly gratifying. It's fulfilling to know that through this project, we're not only raising awareness about the importance of gender diversity but also actively working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable industry for future generations of women.

Global Women in Pipeline represents a personal achievement for me because it aligns with my values and aspirations of promoting diversity, empowering women, and driving positive change in the pipeline and energy sector. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the workforce.

Q: How do you think we can encourage more women to go into the pipeline industry? And why do you think it is important that more women do chose this career path?

A: Encouraging more women to join the pipeline industry demands a focused approach. Here's how we can do it:

1. Educational Outreach: engaging girls and young women through targeted programmes highlighting pipeline career opportunities.

2. Mentorship: establishing mentorship initiatives to provide guidance and inspiration from successful women in the field.

3. Inclusive Workplaces: creating environments free of bias and discrimination, where women feel valued and supported.

4. Tailored Training: offering specialised training to equip women with necessary skills for success in pipeline careers.

5. Celebrating Contributions: highlighting the significant contributions of women in driving innovation and diversity within the industry.

Why is it crucial to attract more women to this field? For a number of reasons, it is imperative that more women enter the pipeline sector. First of all, women's varied viewpoints and approaches to problem-solving foster innovation and creativity in the sector. Second, by participating, they contribute to broadening the talent pool, addressing skill gaps, and guaranteeing a workforce that is more resilient and skilled. Thirdly, a more equitable society results from encouraging women to pursue careers in fields that have historically been dominated by males in order to advance gender equality. Furthermore, pipeline careers provide women with economic empowerment and increase their financial independence and security.

All things considered, encouraging diversity, creativity, and long-term success in the pipeline sector benefits both people and the sector as a whole, when more women join it.

Q: Have you noticed any recent changes for women in the field and looking to the future, do you think more will come?

A: In recent years, noticeable changes have occurred for women in the pipeline industry, reflecting broader trends towards greater diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated fields. There's been a gradual increase in the representation of women across various roles within the industry, supported by initiatives such as mentorship programmes and diversity initiatives. Moreover, there's a growing awareness of the importance of gender diversity and inclusion, leading to increased efforts to address gender bias and discrimination. As someone actively engaged in these activities, I have observed significant engagement from women in the field globally, along with collaboration with young pipeliners. This engagement highlights the enthusiasm and commitment of women to contribute to the industry's growth and development.

Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future for women in the pipeline industry. Cultural shifts, industry recognition of women's contributions, continued advocacy efforts, and emerging opportunities all contribute to this optimism. While challenges remain, the momentum towards greater gender diversity and inclusion in the pipeline sector is expected to continue with concerted efforts from stakeholders. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive pipeline workforce for the future.

Also, here I would like to express my gratitude to World Pipelines for the opportunity to highlight this important topic on International Women's Day and for their commitment to spreading awareness internationally.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/special-reports/08032024/international-womens-day-qa-rana-alnasir-boulos/