Princess Mashael highlights women's empowerment beyond representation in Saudi energy sector
- Princess Mashael Al-Shalan emphasized the need for women's voices in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's energy industry despite their increasing presence in STEM education.
- Women make up over 50% of STEM students in Saudi Arabia, but their representation in the energy workforce does not match these educational achievements.
- The Ministry of Energy has successfully met the national target of 30% female representation in the sector, according to Princess Mashael.
- The Women and Energy Association aims to identify barriers preventing women's entry into the energy industry and create pathways connecting education to professional opportunities.
- The association's initiatives, including the Women’s Leadership in Energy Diplomacy program, focus on developing leadership skills and community engagement among women in the energy sector.
- Looking forward, plans to establish a research and policy department aim to address structural barriers with an evidence-based approach to policymaking.
