Preparing Students Towards a Gender-Sensitive Energy Sector

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Senior High School students of the Fort Bonifacio High School attended the ENEREADY: A Career Talk on Breaking Gender Stereotypes in the Energy Sector conducted by the Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare Promotion Office (DOE-CWPO) led by Helen B. Arias on 24 November at the school’s auditorium in this City.

Based on the directive of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi to strive towards equality, the DOE has intensified its ENEREADY Project to further promote gender balance and development in the energy sector.

“The mainstreaming of gender in the energy sector recognizes both men and women’s significant contributions by giving them equal opportunities,” Cusi said.

According to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the female gender only represents 28% of the total enrollment in engineering and other technical courses from the period 2011-2016.

In an effort to balance the gender fulcrum in the sector, the DOE devised the project to encourage students to pursue a profession based on their passion, knowledge and skills, and not on gender stereotypes which limit technical careers to a certain gender.

Providing a first-hand experience story, the students were able to listen to the testaments of women working in the energy sector, namely: Engr, Martha Isabel S. Dealino of MERALCO, Engr. Katrina Mae S. Royo of MERALCO, both electrical engineers; Engr. Arlyne Joy R. Pestana (Mining Engineer) and Engr. Pia Louren C. Gatinga (Petroleum Engineer) of DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau, who inspired them on the possible career options and job opportunities before deciding on a college course track.

Meanwhile, Engr. Eduardo B. Fernandez (Mechanical Engineer) of DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) discussed his experiences while working in the power industry for appreciation on the male gender perspective.

Recognizing the program’s significance towards a gender-balanced industry, the DOE has scheduled another career talk at the Bagong Bayan High School and General Pio Del Pilar High School on November 25 and 28, respectively.

The DOE will continue its gender and development advocacy to eradicate misconceptions and straighten out perceived labels of several occupations under the energy sector.

Photo Caption:

BREAKING GENDER STEREOTYPES: With Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi at the helm, the DOE continues to promote gender equality and gender development in the energy sector. DOE’s resource speaker for its ENEREADY project, Engr. Katrina Mae S. Royo of MERALCO, asked the students about their perception on women working in the energy sector, which drew several responses. According to them, the energy sector is a man’s world and available jobs present more challenges to women than men.

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