- How do you achieve gender equality among shift working engineers in a remote location in the Middle East?
- Answer: with a clear vision and concrete measures, according to the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team in Egypt, who have a 30% share of female engineers.
Sustainability is integrated into Scatec’s operating model. A diverse workforce provides greater variety of solutions to challenges in the various countries Scatec is present, which is why promoting equal opportunities and female empowerment is a priority for the company.
– We are building a robust, highly efficient team of engineers working in operations and maintenance of our plants in Egypt. In an environment with an otherwise conservative mindset, a strong focus on how we achieve and maintain gender equality is particularly important, says Ehab Adel, O&M manager for Scatec.
A consistent focus on skills over gender in recruitment processes, training and education are among the measures implemented to raise the share of female engineers and ensure gender equality. In addition, all employees undergo training in the Scatec Code of Conduct which supports the same foundation.
Unique and endless challenges
Zeinab Ramadan, one of the engineers working at the 390 MW Benban solar plant encourages women to pursue engineering. – I started by working in construction where I gained a lot of experience. What I love most about engineering is that it has unique and endless challenges. I encourage all girls to follow their dreams, whether it is in engineering or other fields, says Ramadan.
The effects of the measures taken are clear. The percentage of female candidates applying for similar roles has increased, and so has the share of high school female students looking to pursue engineering.
– Our engineers, Asmaa Mahrous, Zeinab Ramadan and Ghada Ahmed are role models and they are inspiring other women in their community. The president’s office has even recognised their efforts as significant to empower other young women. “We are proud of what we have achieved, and we will continue be consistent in our efforts going forward,” concluded Ehab Adel.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
