International Women’s Day 2023 – Meet Princess Edun

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hi there, my name is Princess Edun. I’ve been working in the energy industry for over two years now, where I’ve had the opportunity to develop my skills and contribute to the growth of my organisation, and I absolutely love what I do.  I’m an MBA graduate with a passion for learning and personal growth and I’ve been able to make some significant contributions to the industry. I am excited to be part of this organisation’s feature for International Women’s Day, and to share a little bit about myself with you.

But of course, life outside of work is just as important to me. I’m a huge fan of the outdoors, and I love to go for a run in the park or taking a relaxing walk while listening to a podcast. Travelling is also a big passion of mine, and I always enjoy exploring new places and learning about different cultures.

One of my favourite hobbies is running a social media page where I share my insights on food and lifestyle. I’m always on the lookout for new things to try and explore, and I’m a firm believer that there’s always something new to learn.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I’m honoured to be recognised alongside so many other amazing women. I believe that by supporting and lifting each other up, we can achieve great things both in our personal lives and our careers. I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had in my career and personal life, and I’m excited to continue to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the world.

Which women inspire you and why?

As I sit here on International Women’s Day, my mind wanders to the incredible women who have inspired me throughout my life. The first woman who comes to mind is my mother. She has been a constant source of strength and inspiration for me. Despite the challenges she faced as a single parent, she always put my needs first and worked tirelessly to provide for our family. Her selflessness, kindness, and devotion to her job and helping others around her have left a lasting impact on me. She is a true embodiment of strength and resilience, and I am grateful for everything she has done for me.

Growing up, I also had the opportunity to learn about Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a global leader who has made tremendous strides in her career. Her accomplishments as the first female and African Finance Minister of Nigeria and the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation have opened doors for women in leadership positions around the world. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and service has been an inspiration to me.

Both my mother and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala have taught me that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible. As a woman, I am grateful for the examples they have set and the paths they have paved. On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate these women and all the other incredible women who have inspired me and continue to inspire me every day.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, what does that mean to you?

The theme of ‘Embrace Equity’ for International Women’s Day is particularly significant to me, it represents a call to action for society to recognise and address the systemic inequalities that women face on a daily basis. This theme highlights the importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace for women, which is especially relevant in a male-dominated industry like energy.

In the energy industry, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions and face challenges in terms of career advancement and equal pay. Embracing equity means recognising and addressing these disparities through concrete actions and policies that promote diversity and inclusion. This is a reminder that gender equality is not just a women’s issue, but a human rights issue that affects everyone.

I believe that promoting equity and diversity in the energy industry can lead to better decision-making, improved innovation, and increased profitability. When women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and leadership roles, they bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table that can help drive success in the industry. This means breaking down the barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential and ensuring that women are represented in all spheres of society.

Embracing equity also means promoting women’s representation and leadership in sustainable and clean energy initiatives. Women have an important role to play in the transition to a more sustainable future, and it is essential that their voices and perspectives are heard in this critical work. By embracing equity, we can create a better future for women in the energy industry, and for the industry as a whole.

What do you think men can do to help achieve equality?

As we work towards achieving greater gender equality, men have a critical role to play. There are several ways that men can help to promote and support women’s rights and empowerment, both in the workplace and in society more broadly.

By educating themselves about the historical and systemic inequalities that women have faced, as well as the ongoing challenges that women continue to experience today. Listening to and amplifying women’s voices, being allies by challenging sexist attitudes and behaviours, and standing up against gender-based discrimination and violence, using their privilege to create change, and supporting policies and initiatives that promote equality such as equal pay, flexible work arrangements, and parental leave.  By advocating for these policies and supporting their implementation, men can help to create a more just and equitable society for all.

What do you think the energy industry can do to attract more women into it?

As a woman working in the energy industry, I believe that attracting more women to this field is critical for driving innovation, promoting diversity, and achieving greater gender equality. To achieve this, there are several actions that I believe the industry can take.

Firstly, it is important to promote the visibility of women in leadership positions. Seeing women in leadership positions can inspire other women to pursue careers in the energy industry and can help to break down gender stereotypes.

Secondly, providing targeted education and training programs for women can be an effective way to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in the energy industry. Mentorship, apprenticeships, and internships that provide hands-on experience can also be beneficial.

Addressing unconscious bias is another important step towards attracting more women to the industry. This can include raising awareness of unconscious bias, promoting equitable hiring and promotion practices, and creating diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Offering flexible work arrangements can also make careers in the energy industry more accessible to women. Many women face competing demands from work and family, and offering flexible work arrangements can help to accommodate these needs.

Finally, prioritising diversity and inclusion in hiring and retention practices is critical. This means establishing diversity targets, creating diverse and inclusive workplaces, and ensuring that women have access to the same opportunities for career advancement and professional development as men.

In conclusion, as a woman working in the energy industry, I believe that attracting more women to this field is critical for driving innovation and promoting diversity

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

As I celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to offer some advice that I hope will help me in my personal and professional growth. Looking back, I am filled with pride for all that I have accomplished, and my experience in the energy industry for over 2 years. But, as much as I cherish my professional successes, I know that there is so much more to life than work.

One piece of advice I would offer to my younger self is to never stop trying new things. Looking back, I wish I had realised sooner that I had more potential and influence to give to the world. It’s not just about what I can achieve in my own life, but also about the impact I can have on others and the world around me. I now know that by investing in my personal and professional development, I can make a positive difference in the world.

So, my advice to you, dear younger me, is to keep pursuing your passions and interests outside of work. Embrace the outdoors, travel as much as you can, and find ways to help others grow. And never stop learning and trying new things, because the world is full of wonder and opportunity.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women out there, and to my younger self – keep striving for growth and development in all you do.