Compiled by Sharyn Macnamara

The IEA ( International Energy Agency ) points out that the energy sector remains one of the least gender diverse sectors globally . 1 On a Local level , Hitachi Energy is championing a ‘ Diversity 360 ’ vision with the goal of increasing its female diversity from 19 % to 25 % by 2025 .

In August 2022 , during Women ’ s Month in South Africa , Hitachi celebrated the achievements of three of its employees to highlight some of the female talent at the company currently . The ‘ Diversity 360 ’ vision is integrated into all of the company ’ s practices and policies fostering female acceleration through global platforms and its Female Talent Development Programme , which is underpinned by leadership pillars , in order to reach clear recruitment targets and to develop women in leadership roles .

Leading by example Tracy Golovey , country HR Manager : Southern Africa , works with the company ’ s business leaders as a core member of the management team . She leads a lean team locally , collaborating with regional and global teams closely to solve challenges . Golovey noted , “ It has been empowering to be given the trust to take on elevated responsibility within the HR function .”

Golovey has a degree in Human Resources and has completed a management advancement programme at the Wits Business School and an internal management leadership programme . She was instrumental in implementing local women in leadership development programmes at the company . These programmes are making a significant impact in the business .

“ We are aware that while progress is being made on gender diversity , transformation will not take place overnight , nor is it a short-term journey . I spearheaded this initiative in close collaboration with our local learning and development partner and with our country managing director ’ s sponsorship . The aim was to speed up change and to create a platform with an immediate impact on our women in the workplace . We have been proactive and have started looking to put together impactful learning programmes in partnership with well-known business schools to address gaps and to empower and upskill women at both junior and senior levels within the organisation ,” says Golovey .

Hitachi Energy

Tracy Golovey , country HR manager : Southern Africa at Hitachi Energy .

She explains that , in order to be more inclusive , there are two programmes that the company offers , one aimed at junior and supervisory levels and a second that focuses on next levels of management . Female participants are selected from the company ’ s workforce every year to participate . The ultimate goal is to have all female employees benefit from this offering . There is a specific focus on the challenges faced by women in leadership . The programmes aim to optimise career impact by exploring the dynamics faced and overcoming barriers specific to women in the business . “ The initiative allows women to apply their personalised leadership , to harness their diverse skill set with greater impact , and to boost their professional voice to meet professional goals with greater ease and authenticity ,” notes Golovey .

The challenge was to implement these programmes on a small scale and within a reasonable budget . It was also about ensuring that the programmes are realistic , lead to real change and empowerment of women and are fit for purpose to deliver the desired outcomes .

“ We are excited that , despite the challenges , we were ready for takeoff and 2022 has now been the second year that female employees have been able to benefit from the initiative . Our women in the workplace are eager to learn and attend these programmes , once selected to participate . The programmes are reviewed bi-annually to keep up with any new developments or trends in line with the scope and outcomes .”

Golovey noted that the Diversity 360 approach is a positive step in the right direction of a long-term journey and shows the company ’ s commitment to transformation .