Yuka Abe

The energy sector is currently facing significant challenges in attracting, training and retaining top talent, especially with the growing global competition and the industry's increasing need for innovation and diversity. One of the critical barriers is the underrepresentation of women, which limits both workforce diversity and the sector's potential for innovation. This paper introduces the Women10x Ecosystem, an industry-wide initiative that seeks to address the systemic barriers, workplace cultures and systems that hinder women’s participation and opportunity in the energy sector. It is supported and governed by a coalition comprising WPC Energy, iSAW (International Strategic Accelerator for Women) and LEWAS (Leadership Excellence Women Awards and Symposium), and leverages iSAW’s digital platform, which enables change agents in energy companies, associations and women’s organizations to share and learn from each other in real time. The ecosystem is designed to foster fairer and healthier workplaces where both women and men can thrive, and support women’s growth through targeted sharing of best practices and crowd-sourcing solutions, ultimately contributing to the attraction and retention of diverse talent. Through a detailed analysis of case studies, including JAPEX (Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.)’s successful involvement with the Women10x initiative, the paper suggests that targeted programs are causing positive outcomes in the improvement of the recruitment, retention, and long-term career advancement of women. These programs focus on building women’s leadership capabilities and creating a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse work environment within the energy sector.

The paper also explores strategies for attracting women to the sector, including the establishment of role models, the promotion of diversity and inclusion initiatives, and leveraging digital tools to offer flexible learning and networking opportunities. These strategies aim to break down barriers to entry and ensure a more equitable work environment for women. The paper concludes by calling for widespread industry adoption of these practical solutions to position women as key contributors to the energy sector’s sustainable growth and competitive advantage, ensuring a more diverse, innovative, and future-ready workforce.