EAGE NEWS
Expect ambitious initiatives from WGE leadership A new team took over the lead of the EAGE Women in Geoscience & Engineering (WGE) Special Interest Group in November 2021 with plans to build on its successful growth and support for professional women. If you have been a member of the Association for some time, you probably know this is one of our oldest and largest special interest groups, with the mission of growing a collaborative network – across genders, ages and specializations – and supporting equity in the fields of geoscience and engineering. Motivational advice and mentoring, sharing career opportunities and discussing the challenges of women’s retention in the industry have been at the heart of the WGE activities since the start. Over time, the conversation has greatly expanded, touching upon issues such as diversity, inclusion and - more recently - work/life balance (especially in times of lockdown), dual careers and leadership. Being part of the WGE community and of the team enabling this discussion is truly inspiring and so are the team members. Anna Lim (Argeo, Norway), a new member of the team, explains what motivates her to serve on the WGE committee. ‘Personal experience of being a woman in a largely male-dominated branch of academia and industry - with both good and bad aspects - is of course one of the main reasons to reflect on the subject and
engage in the conversation. One of the driving motivations to join, however, is learning. I believe that we all can do better in recognising our own biases and improving our judgement, but we need to take responsibility in educating ourselves and navigating through the constantly changing world. I personally hope to learn from my fellow-committee members as well as from the wider discussions within the WGE network, and to provide the tools and space for others to do the same.’ For some, the WGE Committee is also a platform to share best practices and facilitate connections within the EAGE network. For example, Nawal de Freslon (Beicip-Franlab, France) has been involved in the EAGE for some time already, first as part of the EAGE Student Chapter IFP School, then, leading the EAGE Local Chapter Paris, which it won the prize for Best Local Chapter of the Year in 2021. ‘Now I wanted to take another direction in the EAGE’, she says. Chukwunonso Ikiliagwu (Shell, Nigeria) explains how she was inspired to get involved. ‘After the discussion in the WGE forum at the Annual Conference in Amsterdam,’ she says, ‘I found a unique opportunity to be a part of something I am deeply passionate about - inclusion - so I grabbed it. I was impressed by how we were able to discuss in detail the challenges that women face in the workplace, people shared their
‘Half a century of Dutch geological mapping personified’ by Michiel van der Meulen, EAGE/EFG Photo Contest 2021.
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‘Women geoscientists recording data in the field’ by Marlene Tielmann, EAGE/EFG Photo Contest 2021.
experience, and it was enlightening and refreshing. Working with a company that walks the talk on inclusion has been a huge fuel for my inclusion advocacy journey and I believe volunteering with the WGE committee is me following through with my commitment to be a part of the change I want to see in the world.’ For Hon Vai Yee (PETRONAS, Malaysia), being part of the WGE team is a wonderful way to serve the community. ‘My involvement has significantly enhanced my leadership skills. Above all, I enjoy the opportunity to meet and work with other members across the globe, getting insights on different perspectives.’ With the transition to a ‘new normal’, the WGE team is ready to start a new chapter, more international and even more motivated. If you would you like to follow their journey, then make sure to connect with the WGE LinkedIn group to learn about and get involved in its activities, including the Special Session scheduled for the 83rd EAGE Annual Conference in Madrid. Remember too that the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is on 11 February. By resolution of the UN General Assembly on 22 December 2015, the day recognises the critical role women and girls play in science and technology.