News from Organizations Affiliated to IGU This issue we lead with an update on the World
company decision making through use of all
LPG Association’s WINLPG initiative and follow
available perspectives, ideas and skills1,
with further news from WLPGA, the Gas
reflecting the gender diversity of customers
Technology Institute (GTI), Energy Delta
and employees is beneficial to the industry.
Institute (EDI) and International Pipe Line and
The industry also suffers from the negative
Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA) who
perception of being old fashioned and
also share their history in the features section
uninteresting, indeed, a recent graduate survey
on pages 148-153. We conclude with an article
showed that the oil and gas industry as a whole
from NGV Global on their achievements in
is one of the most unpopular career paths2.
2015 and plans for the coming year.
Many companies support mentoring and development of senior women as a pipeline to
Changing the Face of the LPG Industry:
talent at board level, firstly because board
Women in LPG Global Network
members can gain insight and learn from the
By Alison Abbott
relationship but most importantly because it
Women have never been in a stronger position
makes good business sense. It is estimated that
to lead, change and shape the economic, social
over the next 5-10 years, women will make up
and political landscape. The 21st century has
80% of the growth in the world labour market
seen a dramatic shift in traditional ‘family’
and organizations need a clear strategy to
dynamics and greater recognition of gender in
attract and retain women at all levels. If you
legislation. As a result, women are more econo
really take the time to digest all the arguments
mically independent and socially autonomous.
for gender equality, the economic facts alone
As growing numbers of women enter the eco
are overwhelming and the long-term gains for
nomic mainstream, they will have a profound
businesses who support and inspire women to
effect on global business and social change.
participate in the LPG Industry are already
Some people may ask why women need a
proven to be significant.
special network and support program, but
According to Energia, an NGO focusing on
when you start to evaluate it, there are many
women’s issues in the energy industry, most
overwhelmingly compelling personal, profes
LPG consumers are women. Many women make
sional and business reasons that support the
and manage the purchasing decision and it is
significant benefits of advancing women in
largely women who are using the product.
leadership in the corporate and entrepre-
However, within the industry itself there are
neurial world.
few women, not only at executive level, but at
Having more women in management
all levels. This phenomenon is shared in many
positions improves a company’s financial performance and can boost company returns. Evidence shows that companies with women on their board can out-perform their rivals by a 42% higher return on sales by enhancing
54 N e w s f r o m O r g a n i z a t i o n s A f f i l i a t e d t o I G U
1 www.gov.uk study “Women on Boards: 5-year summary”, www.gov.uk/government/publications/womenon-boards-5-year-summary-davies-review. 2 PwC 2011 survey of 4,364 graduates from over 75 countries.
