Business 13 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Beyond Presence: Empowering Women for Real Influence in Africa's Energy Sector
A Senegalese energy executive argues that simply increasing women's numbers in meetings isn't enough; true progress requires empowering them with decision-making power, as seen in TotalEnergies' projects in Uganda and beyond. She shares personal insights and calls for collective action to shape a fair energy future. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/the-goal-is-not-simply-more-women-at-the-table-5389706
Marieme-Sav Sow, VP for Engagement & Advocacy at TotalEnergies EP Africa, often finds herself as the sole woman—and sometimes the only African woman—in key industry rooms. This position sharpens her perspective, highlighting overlooked issues.
Early in her career, Sow thought hard work alone would drive change. Experience showed her that intentional efforts are essential. While more women now fill junior roles and conference seats, decision-making spaces remain dominated by men, turning women’s events into hollow gestures.
In energy, decisions impact jobs, opportunities, and access to power. Excluding half the population leads to flawed systems. Sow recounts a Ugandan family compensated for project-affected land: the husband spoke initially, but the wife provided vital insights on household and community needs.
Influence shines when women lead projects, manage budgets, or spot flaws—like a female engineer in Mozambique who corrected a major error. At TotalEnergies, Tilenga and EACOP projects in Uganda mandate dual spouse signatures for compensation, joint accounts, and financial training for couples, yielding big results.
In Nigeria, targeted hiring filled over half of senior roles from 2022-2024 with women, thanks to talent pipelines, not quotas. Sow urges women to build skills and seize leadership, companies to offer mentorship and policies, especially amid Africa’s energy transition.
The aim isn’t just seats at the table, but building one worthy of all. Sow commits to advocating for this shift.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)