International Women's Day 2023 At GCC
At GCC, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of powerful and inspiring women in our team and #EmbraceEquity every day. As we continue to build a more sustainable and equitable world, it is crucial to amplify the voices of the women who at the forefront of this movement.
We asked some of our team members to shed light on the crucial role played by women in the sustainability sector as well as the importance of inclusive and diverse perspectives while having a dialogue around sustainability.
Let's find out what the team had to say.
Esme Barber
Renewable Energy Administrator
Can you tell us about your background and how you got interested in the sustainability sector?
My higher education focused on international communication and global media relations. I intentionally focused my research on environmentalism and protest; this fuelled my interest and led me to angle my career choices towards the green sector.
How do you see the role of women in shaping the future of sustainability?
The future of sustainability must be shaped by everybody, including women and other under-represented groups. Sustainability solutions need to incorporate all and there is a benefit to including everybody in building the green future. Women already are, and will continue to be, impactful across all levels of the sustainability chain.
Can you discuss the ways in which you believe diversity and inclusion can positively impact sustainability efforts?
The sustainability effort is global but demands localised approaches and solutions, as the climate crisis disproportionately impacts all cultures and societies. By encouraging diversity and acknowledging the importance of intersectionality, innovative responses to the climate crisis will be far more effective and viable in the long-term.
Vivi Chen
Renewable Energy Administrator
Can you tell us about your background and how you got interested in the sustainability sector?
My studies were in the field of environmental and energy engineering. Incredibly what led me into this field was seeing the shocking images and realities of environmental collapse caused by the climate crisis.
How do you see the role of women in shaping the future of sustainability?
Women are integral to shaping the future of sustainability as they have a critical role to play in both the mitigation and adaptation of climate change. For example, women's leadership and participation can help address environmental issues such as sustainable land use, renewable energy, and waste management, as well as social issues such as gender equity and poverty reduction.
Can you discuss the ways in which you believe diversity and inclusion can positively impact sustainability efforts?
Diversity and inclusion can lead to broader perspectives and creativity, which is good for us to make better decisions, since a diverse and inclusive workforce brings together a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, leading to more innovative approaches to sustainability challenges.
Rebecca Morgan
Renewable Energy Administrator
Can you tell us about your background and how you got interested in the sustainability sector?
My background is in Geological Sciences, with a focus on geological applications to the renewable energy sector. My interest in the sustainability sector stemmed from my love of the outdoors and wanting to protect the natural world so that future generations can enjoy the freedom it offers.
How do you see the role of women in shaping the future of sustainability?
Women provide valuable expertise and perspectives in shaping a positive future of sustainability. Providing equal opportunities and empowering women will encourage personal growth, and ultimately lead to increased individual and collaborative efforts towards tackling environmental issues.
Can you discuss the ways in which you believe diversity and inclusion can positively impact sustainability efforts?
The key to positive sustainability efforts is to work as a collective. Diversity and inclusivity in the sustainability sector creates positive, relatable role models for every person, inspiring future generations to become passionate about the topic and to get involved.
Andrea Sanchez
Renewable Energy Administrator
Can you tell us about your background and how you got interested in the sustainability sector?
I am an electrical engineer and I’ve always been interested in renewable energy and sustainability, this was one of the main reasons for choosing my career.
How do you see the role of women in shaping the future of sustainability?
For those of us who are mothers and professionals in the sector, our contribution is very important, not only for our generation, but also for future generations.
Can you discuss the ways in which you believe diversity and inclusion can positively impact sustainability efforts?
Different cultures and diversity can be a great contribution when we are looking for real solutions to the climate crisis and creating a sustainable and clean economy for the world.
Fatima Akinsanya
Compliance Officer
Can you tell us about your background and how you got interested in the sustainability sector?
My educational background is in Human Rights Law, and it has helped me to recognise that environmental sustainability and the right to a healthy, safe, and clean environment are intertwined. For the developed and under-developed societies, it is a bedrock to a dignified human existence.
How do you see the role of women in shaping the future of sustainability?
The world has gone beyond being a global village to recognising the role of women in shaping the future of sustainability. Women are raising awareness on how climate actions affect women’s reproductive health/rights, and how access to clean energy plays a crucial role in breaking those environmental barriers.
Can you discuss the ways in which you believe diversity and inclusion can positively impact sustainability efforts?
Diversity and inclusion impact sustainability by recognising all-inclusive initiatives across teams and stakeholders. It is a source of fostering positive influence, teamwork, and productivity.