Success is often sought but seldom achieved with the exception of one woman business leader. Egypt Oil & Gas has the exclusive opportunity to interview an industry pioneer, Mounia Attiga, Energy Strategist and Chair of North African at Lean in Equity & Sustainability.
What do you believe are the key qualities and skills that women need to succeed in leadership roles?
Success in leadership is a combination of strategic vision, resilience, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Women in leadership must be decisive and confident while maintaining collaborative and empathetic leadership styles. Additionally, networking and mentorship are crucial—building alliances and strong network within and outside the industry fosters both personal and professional growth.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the energy transition, sustainability, and digital transformation fields?
Women are playing a crucial role in driving energy transition, sustainability, and digital transformation worldwide. They make up 32% of the renewable energy workforce, compared to the 22% representation in traditional energy sectors. However, gender disparities persist, particularly in leadership roles. Efforts to close this gap include STEM education initiatives, mentorship programs, and inclusive policies that empower women in these fields. By increasing opportunities and representation, women can lead innovation and shape a more sustainable, technologically advanced future.
What emerging trends in the energy sector do you believe will create new opportunities for women?
The rise of renewable energy, decarbonization strategies, the commitment to net zero targets and digitalization are reshaping the energy sector. Women have opportunities in areas such as clean energy, ClimateTech, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) leadership. Additionally, the expansion of capacity-building programs and gender-inclusive policies in organizations is helping more women enter and excel in technical and leadership roles.
What advice would you give young talented women in the energy sector who try to balance work-life demands and achieve career success?
Be bold, prioritize your goals and boundaries, always seek mentorship and sponsorship, as guidance from experienced leaders can help navigate career challenges. Be proactive in acquiring new skills, especially in digital technologies and sustainability. Lastly, advocate for yourself—whether it’s for leadership roles, equal pay, or flexible work policies that allow better work-life integration. Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace challenges. Growth comes from continuous exploration and adaptation.
Could you share some successful programs or initiatives that accomplished great results in empowering women in their career growth?
One impactful initiative is the Lean In Northen African Leaders in Energy network, which I chair. It connects women leaders, provides mentorship, and offers great networking and visibility, also coaching and training programs tailored for capacity building and leadership development. Additionally, international programs such as RENEW MENA hosted by the World bank, Women In Clean Energy (WICE), Powerful connections mentoring program by powerful women and many other gender-focused STEM initiatives have played a significant role in fostering career growth, entrepreneurship, and policy influence for women in energy.
To conclude, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Oil & Gas Magazine for this interview and the opportunity to share my insights. It’s crucial to change the narrative and shift our focus towards developing a future task force that aligns with the sector’s demands and opportunities, free from bias. Companies need to clearly define career paths and identify skill gaps to effectively target development efforts. This will help acquire the skills necessary for meeting energy demand targets and achieving net-zero goals.
