While women only account for 22% of the global oil and gas workforce and represent merely 17% of those in technical roles, they have a central role to play in driving the industry forward.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power, Katila Dompetelo, Facility Engineering Construction Advisor at Chevron Angola, shared insight into the opportunities for women in Angola and how investing in STEM-related programs will increase the participation of women in the workforce.
“In Angola, we keep on saying that the number [of women in the industry] is increasing but there is still a lot of roles in technical operations, offshore facilities and a wide range of areas still dominated by men,” stated Dompetelo.
To support market entry for women in the industry, she said females need early exposure to STEM programs. Additionally, facilitating mentoring will help break the stigma surrounding women’s participation in the sector while supporting skills development and engagement.
“Companies need to protect us from harassment through strong policies and by creating conditions and structures for us to excel,” she said.
For Chevron, empowering women across the oil and gas industry is a major priority. According to Dompetelo, over the past 70 years, the company has positioned itself as a pioneer in equality and the promotion of gender inclusivity in Angola. This has been achieved through the expansion of Chevron’s Women Network, Men Advocating for Real Change and STEM programs to empower females.
Dompetelo joined Chevron in 2011 and has since become the firm’s first forewoman on the Mafumeira Sul project.
“I knew I would face many challenges but I was determined to be the face of change,” she said.
