The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformation but women continue to encounter persistent barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Despite making up about 39 percent of the global labour force, women account for just 16 percent of the energy sector headcount, the International Energy Agency said in its Energy and Gender report last October.
But emerging women leaders, even in India, are signalling a potential shift towards greater gender diversity and inclusivity. Some women have managed to shatter the proverbial glass ceiling to attain top jobs in the energy sector. Moneycontrol features five of these trailblazers on the occasion of women's day:
Mansi Tripathy: Chairman, Shell Group of companies, India
Mansi Tripathy, a prominent figure in the corporate world, is known for her leadership and vision. Tripathy's perseverance over nearly 25 years helped her reach the doors of Shell, world's second-largest oil and gas company, in 2019. She started as a managing director for Shell Lubricants' India business after serving nearly seven years in the largest consumer goods company in the world, Procter & Gamble. Tripathy's strategic insights and dedication to innovation played a pivotal role in shaping Shell's operations in India. In a recent interview with CNBC-TV18, she said, "It's undoubted that India is poised for a lot of growth... as we go forward I think we also want to continuously keep making bets in India and see how we want to grow with the vision, which is there in terms of getting to net zero."
Vismita Tej: Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal
Vismita Tej, a 1990 batch IRS officer, is at the helm of literally powering India, as she is the person in charge of ensuring coal supply across thermal power plants and the industrial sector. Tej has now spent 11 years in the coal sector, with her stint starting in 2009 as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Central Coalfields Limited. Back then, she was the first female CVO in India’s coal sector. From handling the coal crisis of 2021 to lifting coal stocks at thermal power plants to a record high today, Tej has come a long way. She is also driving a government project to ensure faster coal evacuation and transportation (logistics).
“I always vouch for equal opportunities. If a woman has shown merit and is asking for a challenging task or role, that opportunity should not be denied to her because of her gender,” said Tej, an alumnae of Jawaharlal Nehru University, who went on to pursue a course in gender studies in the UK.
Sukla Mistry, Executive Director (Refineries), Indian Oil Corporation
Sukla Mistry is one of the few women to head IndianOil, an organisation with refineries across India. Her technical expertise played a critical role in expanding and enhancing the core competencies of IndianOil, because her stint with India's largest oil refiner goes back to 1987, when she started out as a graduate engineer trainee. As part of the country's green growth agenda, She is also spearheading the move to achieve Net Zero emissions by refineries.
Vartika Shukla, Chairman & Managing Director, Engineers India
Vartika Shukla is the first female leader of state-owned firm Engineers India Ltd, overseeing 400 major projects cumulatively valued at over $200 billion. Shukla, a chemical engineering graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology, joined EIL in 1988. With more than three decades of experience at the company, she is attempting to change its profile from its existing business of constructing fossil-fuel plants to branch out into new areas such as renewable energy projects. In an interview with Moneycontrol in 2023, she said, “I have never believed there was a glass ceiling. It's always on your merit and your competency and the ability to see things in a leadership role. What matters is ... the company and the portfolio you deal with in terms of business growth, in terms of business strategy, and what value you bring to the table."
Parminder Chopra, CMD, Power Finance Corporation
Parminder Chopra is the first woman to lead the country's largest non-banking financial company (NBFC). She has a stellar track record of over 35 years, spanning the power and financial sectors. In her previous stint, Chopra spearheaded PFC’s finance division, helping the company to its highest Net Profit, highest Net worth and lowest NPA levels. That robust financial performance, for which Chopra is credited, also allowed the public sector firm to attain the coveted 'Maharatna' status, the highest level for a PSU. She also played a key role in the successful implementation of the Rs 1.12 trillion Liquidity Infusion Scheme (LIS) for the power distribution sector. Prior to PFC, she was with NHPC and Power Grid Corporation of India. Chopra holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Delhi University and is a qualified Cost and Management Accountant.
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