This week, women in Solar Europe (Wisu) give a voice to Maria Colom, head of distributed solar energy, storage and green mobility at France in Engie. She says that recruitment and promotional processes must be clear, honest and on merits to guarantee equal opportunities for everyone. “By implementing measurable and data -driven approaches, organizations can build trust and promote a truly fair workplace,” she says.
Achieving real gender recording in the workplace goes beyond just meeting quota; It requires an in -depth cultural shift. Although we have taken a few steps, we must acknowledge that many women in different industries, including renewable energy, are still confronted with considerable barriers for their progress. It is important to recognize these challenges and to work on increasing the representation and creating environments where women really feel supported, appreciated and authorized to succeed. This shift comes not only for individuals, but also organizations, because various teams encourage innovation, improve decision -making and improve overall performance.
In my experience, tackling unconscious prejudices is a good starting point. These prejudices, often subtly, can have a deep influence on how women are observed and treated at the workplace. Offering training and open conversations about inclusiveness can help teams recognize the value of different perspectives and the importance of creating a more hospitable environment for everyone.
Mentoring and sponsorship are also essential for career development. Having access to mentors and sponsors – leaders who not only accompany but also argue for you – can make the difference. These initiatives enable women to get in touch with leaders who are really investing in their growth, helping them navigating challenges and seizing opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
Because of my own experience I have seen how mentoring and sponsorship can break off obstacles and open doors. I was lucky to have mentors who led me through crucial moments in my career. Mentors play a crucial role in the empowerment of individuals, stimulating trust and helping their career or tackling difficulties.
Transparency is another important area for improvement. Recruitment and promotional processes must be clear, honest and on merits to guarantee equal opportunities for everyone. A lack of transparency can discourage talented women from pursuing leadership roles. By implementing measurable and data -driven approaches, organizations can build trust and promote a truly fair workplace.
Cultural norms are slowly evolving, which is a reason why change has gradually been. The goal is not only to increase the number of women in leadership, but also to cultivate leaders who embrace these values and create environments where everyone can thrive.
More and more leaders are dedicated to promote inclusive workplaces. In the renewable energy sector, where I have spent a large part of my career, there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion. By building a workforce that reflects the diversity of society, companies can potentially unlock, stimulate innovation and ensure a future in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
All women (and men) who are considering a career in renewable energy or striving to go into it: your contributions are essential. This industry is at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future, and your skills, perspectives and leadership are invaluable. While there are challenges, progress is happening and your presence will help stimulate the change we need. Stay determined, look for mentors and allies and know that you belong in this space. Together, men and women, we can build a more inclusive, innovative and dynamic industry for coming generations.
María Colom is head of distributed solar, storage and green mobility at Engie, a world leader in low-carbon energy and services aimed at carbon. She also acts as vice -chairman of the Buildings & Prosumers Workstream at SolarPower Europe, the leading solar association in Europe. The experience of María in the energy sector includes EDPR, a leading company for renewable energy companies, where it gave analytical insights to the risk and markets about strategic and operational matters. She also served as a director of energy policy at UNEF (Spanish photovoltaic Union), where she analyzed the development of solar energy, had formulated policy recommendations and had contact with administrations and organizations to argue for the interests of the sector. Moreover, María has experience in private equity in Eastern Europe, served at the Spanish Embassy in Moscow and co-established a start-up. María obtained a degree in international companies and marketing from Pompeu Fabra University and a master in international business management of Ceco-initial.
Interested in becoming a member María Colom And other leaders and experts in the industry at women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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