A panel of prominent industry leaders came together for a thought-provoking discussion on “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Advancing Gender Equality in the Power Sector” at GRIDCON 2025. The session featured insights from Ms. Rashmi Govil, Director of HR at IndianOil, alongside esteemed panelists Dr. Tripta Thakur of NPTI, Ms. Bani Varma from BHEL, Ms. Amanda Olson from Burns & McDonnell, Ms. Geetha Hariharan of L&T, and Dr. Shivani Sharma of Hitachi Energy. The discussion was expertly moderated by Ms. Mandakini Kaul from the World Bank.
The panellists examined the critical factors necessary to foster a new generation of women leaders in the power industry, highlighting several key enablers. Among them were:
Managerial Intent: The need for leadership commitment to create opportunities for women at all levels.
Sponsorship & Mentorship: The importance of champions who advocate for women’s achievements and drive their professional growth.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Strategies for building confidence and encouraging self-advocacy among women professionals.
Upskilling & Staying Relevant: The necessity of continuous learning to navigate the rapid evolution of industry challenges.
Asking, Not Assuming: Creating a supportive culture where women’s aspirations are acknowledged and nurtured.
The conversation underscored that while dialogue is essential, tangible action is imperative. Empowering women in leadership roles is not merely an issue of diversity; it is critical for cultivating a stronger and more resilient power sector.
As industry experts continue to address the barriers to gender equality, events like GRIDCON2025 serve as a platform for initiating meaningful change. The collective commitment of the panellists to advancing this agenda promises a brighter, more equitable future for women in the power industry.
