As we commemorate International Women’s Day this month, we must acknowledge the vital importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in paving the path towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
The evidence is irrefutable: economies, industries and organisations that embrace diversity flourish. Women represent the largest talent pool globally, yet they remain underrepresented in many sectors.
This disparity is particularly evident in the energy and mining industries, which are critical to our transition to low-carbon economies. According to the International Energy Agency, only 20% of the energy sector workforce is female – in stark contrast with many other fields. The World Bank reveals an even more troubling statistic in mining: women account for a mere 15% of the workforce.
Representation alone is not enough. It is about the opportunities these numbers unlock
Beacon of hope
As we face the monumental challenge of decarbonising our economies, we cannot afford to overlook half of our population. This gap is especially pronounced at the highest governance levels. While progress has been made over the past decade, it remains insufficient. The journey ahead is long, but ACCA stands as a beacon of hope with a compelling and powerful narrative.
At ACCA, we take immense pride in our steadfast commitment to inclusion. Over half of our students are women, and our Council boasts a female majority. Our chief executive, along with her leadership team and my fellow officers, Melanie Proffitt and Datuk Zaiton Mohd Hassan, exemplify the transformative power of women’s leadership in action.
However, representation alone is not enough. True progress transcends statistics; it is about the opportunities these numbers unlock. Within accountancy and at ACCA, we have dismantled barriers to entry, ensuring that success is driven by talent and ambition rather than background. This dedication to fairness and equity is essential, especially in regions and sectors where substantial work remains to achieve true equity.
The green transition requires diverse expertise and fresh perspectives
Empowerment essential
Looking ahead, women’s leadership in the energy sector is imperative. The transition to sustainable energy, decarbonisation and responsible resource management requires diverse expertise, fresh perspectives and inclusive leadership. We must actively support and empower women to take the reins in shaping the industries that will define our future.
This is not merely a moral or ethical imperative; it is a business necessity. The challenges we face are too vast and complex for solutions to emerge from a narrow segment of society. We need all voices, all talents and all perspectives engaged in driving meaningful progress.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit not only to increasing the number of women in energy, mining and sustainability, but also ensuring that they lead the way. The time to advance is now; a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world is not just an aspiration – it is an essential goal.
More information
Join the IWD conversation with ACCA’s all-female council team and students on gender equity, accelerating change and career aspirations
