Promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the oil and gas industry is the main objective of the SPE Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Standing Committee, which was launched after this year’s SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition. Previously known as the Women in Energy Committee, the expanded D&I Committee aims to leverage the existing D&I network and expand its mission, vision, and values.
The D&I Committee's vision is to promote SPE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry, with a special focus on three aspects: advocacy, collaboration, and education.
Under the SPE International’s guidance, SPE’s Bagdad Section has launched its section D&I committee. A joint effort with members from national and international oil companies in Iraq, the committee has one main goal: Empowering women and increasing their participation in decision-making roles. In recent years many women have stepped into increased responsibility roles such as chiefs, vice-presidents, directors, and team leaders with proven success. This observation reinforces the fact that gender difference is not and should not be an obstacle when talking about leadership.
The SPE Baghdad Section D&I Committee was launched in November 2020 under the leadership of four roles: The committee chair; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lead; event programing lead; and communications and social media lead. The team was elected based on multiple technical and cultural backgrounds in an effort to promote the spirit of the initiative.
SPE Baghdad Section D&I Committee’s mission is to
- Uphold the legacy of Women in Energy Standing Committee which is set out to promote leadership, representation, and recognition for women within SPE
- Provide and support platforms whereby members can share their ideas surrounding diversity and inclusion
- Provide support to local SPE chapters supported by the SPE Baghdad Section in the creation and maintenance of diversity and inclusion committees in the universities
- Collaborate, support, and advise on topics relating to diversity and inclusion within SPE and external to SPE
- Promote diversity and inclusion in STEM
Diversity is a unique opportunity for community development and growth. Awareness of the importance of diversity is the path to the harmony of individuals and communities.