Ms. Sarah Akbar Speech on “Leadership Challenges for Women in Oil & Gas Industry”
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), Kuwait Chapter as a part of continuous efforts in its professional journey, organized a program in collaboration with Kuwait Oil Company (QHSE Team - MP&TSD), on “Leadership Challenges for Women in Oil & Gas Industry”
The Women in Safety Engineering called as WISE is a Common Interest Group in ASSE which fosters the advancement of women and sharing of best practices in the OHS profession. WISE continuously evaluates the state of women in the OHS profession, facilitates mentoring of all OHS professionals, encourages networking to strengthen professional relationships, promotes continuing education and professional certifications, and supports the development and peer review of content related to issues specific to women in the workplace as well as within the OHS profession.
Ms. Sofia Val Esteban, Head - WISE Committee of ASSE Kuwait Chapter welcomed dignitaries and participants as well as briefed on the event agenda. Mr. Fares Al-Mansouri - Team Leader (QHSE - MP&TSD), Kuwait Oil Company appreciated ASSE Kuwait Chapter for organizing such events and promoting HSE awareness in the region.
Mr. Muhammad Alamgir, President of ASSE Kuwait Chapter briefed about the importance of the event and highlighted the activities of ASSE Kuwait Chapter.
The keynote speaker of the event Ms. Sarah Akbar who is a renowned professional and personality in the Oil and Gas industry, both in Kuwait and Internationally. Ms. Sarah Akbar has over 30 years of experience in the O&G industry and worked in several positions in Kuwait Oil Company (‘KOC’) and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (‘KUFPEC’).
In 2005, Ms. Sara’s entrepreneurial interests drove her to be a co-founder in establishing Kuwait Energy, one of the few successful independent Oil and Gas Exploration & Production companies in the Middle East today. In 2017, Sara Akbar was officially elected as a member of the Supreme Council in the Ministry of Planning and Development in Kuwait led by the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, which further contributes to her prominence not only in the Oil & Gas industry, but also as a politically/socially active and conscientious citizen. Ms. Sara was recently named among the top 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen of 2017 by Forbes Middle East and her action earned her the name “firefighter”, and she received the “Global 500 Award” from the United Nations Environmental Program in recognition of her work. Ms. Sarah Akbar currently joined M/s Petrofac International as a Board Member.
Ms. Sarah Akbar delivered the keynote speech on Leadership challenges for Women in Oil & Gas industry where she shared her work experiences and lessons learnt. She spoke about the Middle East environment and Significant operational and project management skills. She encouraged the women professional to act proactively and focus on their career by inheriting the latest technologies in their profession. The key is that they must persevere in their efforts and work to achieve their goals.
Ms. Lucy D. Jean, HSE Manager of M/s Shell Kuwait, shared her life time experience and challenges she faced during her professional career. She emphasized on the women leadership in oil & gas industry.
Dr. Shaikha Al Fajjam, Director - Shuaiba Industrial Medical Center - Ministry of Health, who is a WISE member and former Head of WISE Committee, briefed on the recently organized WISE activities by the ASSE Kuwait Chapter and suggested all the women to lead and actively participate in the ASSE Kuwait Chapter events.
As part of ASSE Kuwait Chapter’s tradition and token of appreciation, mementos were presented to the Distinguished Speakers, Dr. Shaikha Al Fajjam and Guest of Honor.
Mr. Aamir Rasheed, Vice President - ASSE Kuwait Chapter in his closing address thanked Ms. Sarah Akbar & Ms. Lucy D. Jean and Mr. Fares Al-Mansouri, WISE & Executive Committee and staff for the support in organizing the event.
For more details visit www.assekuwait.org