Breaking the brass ceiling — women are the future of the global energy sector

Mar 22, 2026 · 1059 words · By Taelo Mojapelo

📰 Original article: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2026-03-22-breaking-the-brass-ceilin…

Fact-Check Results

“Energy companies are actively seeking more women to fill these roles.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to confirm or refute claims about energy companies' hiring practices.

“Historically, energy companies were male-dominated because men received greater encouragement to study sciences and workplaces weren’t always built with women in mind.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive to verify historical demographics or societal factors in energy sectors.

“Energy Digital Magazine ran a feature, 'Top 10: Women in Energy', highlighting women leading global energy companies.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive about Energy Digital Magazine's specific publications or features.

“bp announced the appointment of Meg O’Neill as its next CEO, effective April 2026.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive about bp's CEO appointments or timelines.

“The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources implemented a Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Strategy for the Energy Sector (2021–2025).”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive about South Africa's Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources strategies.

“bp Southern Africa appointed two female CEOs in succession: Priscillah Mabelane (2017–2020) and me (from June 2020).”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive about bp Southern Africa's CEO appointments or authorship claims.

“According to a 2023 Boston Consulting Group report, female representation in the energy sector increased from 26% to 28% between 2018 and 2023.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive about Boston Consulting Group reports on gender representation in energy.

“The 2023 South African Department of Labour Employment Equity Report states that 23.5% of top management positions are held by black leaders.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive about South Africa's Employment Equity Report statistics.

“A 2023 Boston Consulting Group report identified four challenges to increasing gender diversity in the energy sector.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive about Boston Consulting Group's identified challenges to gender diversity.

“A McKinsey & Company report found that companies with high gender diversity are 25% more likely to outperform financially compared to peers.”

❓ INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE — No evidence in archive about McKinsey & Company's findings on gender diversity and financial performance.

“bp Southern Africa is focused on building a diverse talent pipeline, including women, and growing the number of women-owned businesses in its supply chain.”

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