Not just for men: Encouraging more women to join a male-dominated sector

In 2019 research revealed that just 14 per cent of the energy industry is made up of women. Maria Bastian, managing director of Fischer Future Heat and Outfox The Market, discusses what it’s really like to be a woman working in the sector and how the industry can encourage better female representation.

As a woman within the energy sector, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to contribute to, and get involved in, International Women’s Day and its #ChooseToChallenge campaign.

When sectors are renowned for being dominated by males, it can be difficult for women and young girls in particular to understand the number of opportunities available to them in industries such as heating and energy. Whilst many may think it is simply construction and engineering – which women are also more than capable of doing – it is so much more than that.

From architects, project managers, researchers, and sales, to surveyors, retail, consultants and managerial and directorial positions, the list really is endless. And it is that, I want to discuss.

I believe that as leaders in the industry, we should be educating everybody, but especially women and young girls, about the number of possibilities within the energy sector. To do this, we should be heading into schools, colleges and universities to host talks and start conversations in order to help people consider careers that they may not have otherwise even thought about.

But not only that, we really need to spark an interest from an earlier age. We should be visiting both primary and secondary schools to engage children, eventually this will close the gender skills gap and be a huge step in proving that industries such as energy are truly rewarding too.

We need to challenge outdated mindsets and make children aware that although as stereotypes may suggest, careers aren’t and shouldn’t be defined by gender.

Whilst I may now be managing director of both Fischer Future Heat and Outfox The Market, the journey to get here hasn’t always been simple and plain sailing.

My advice? Be brave, push yourself, speak up and rise to the challenge. Never accept that you cannot succeed in any career you choose. Your success is determined by your ability to do the best and push harder when things get tougher.

We are now also fortunate enough to live in a world where social media has a huge part to play in sustainability. With much of the population becoming more passionate about doing their bit for the environment, and the likes of David Attenborough joining Instagram, this is a huge testament to just how powerful the online space can be. With that being said, energy and electrical industries are now far more committed to the sustainability agenda, playing a vital role when it comes to making positive contributions to society, the economy, and the environment.

It isn’t just social media, though. Streaming services such as Netflix have begun to commission shows that demonstrate the current state of the world, and how we can work together to combat those very issues. Docuseries ‘Down to Earth’, starring Zac Efron, explores healthy and sustainable ways to live, influencing viewers to make positive changes to their current lifestyle.

Although you may not make the initial connection between this and the heating and energy sector, it is that energy, as well as food and water, are the main staples for modern life. And these other avenues for education will also play a key part in getting women excited about entering an industry that is doing its bit to make our world more efficient and reduce its carbon footprint.

So, for those that are seeking to contribute positively to the world, what better way than beginning a career in the energy and electrical industries? It arms you with the knowledge and power to make a difference, and a huge one at that.

And it is that very reason that got me into the energy industry.