Challenges facing women in business - an assessment of women in the South African petroleum industry

Abstract

This report focuses on barriers women face within the petroleum industry, with regard to career advancement to senior positions. This research was conducted to identify the challenges that hinder such progression for women, taking key issues and themes raised by women currently at management levels. The primary outcomes were identifying key barriers and/or challenges that exist in the petroleum industry, and juxtaposing them to barriers identified in other industries at both the local and global context. This research demonstrated the fact that despite legislative intervention and initiatives by the South African petroleum industry to address gender inequality and employment equity within the workplace, women are yet to achieve a critical mass at senior positions within in the petroleum industry. Barriers hindering women advancement to senior levels within the petroleum industry, inter alia, were found to be: women not being taken seriously; “Boys Club” syndrome; work life balance challenge; and perceptions and stigmas regarding women managers. It is recommended that the petroleum industry adhere to career development plans for women; the individual oil companies identify additional mentorship opportunities and more prominent role models for young females joining the industry; and lastly that industry captains actively encourage an environment where women are treated equal to their male counterparts.