How Energame is helping to empower women for a better future

Last month’s Women’s Leaders Forum 2024 shone the spotlight on women who have forged their own paths in their respective industries and wish to inspire others to do the same.

Marianna Hadjiandoniou, Executive Vice President of Energame, equipped with a two-decade track record of success in HR management across various industries, participated in a panel discussion, where she talked about the distinct traits of Gen Z, highlighting the importance of maintaining a work-life balance to attract and retain young professionals.

Here is what she had to say to GOLD, on women’s empowerment and leadership.

What are some of the most common challenges that women entrepreneurs face when starting or expanding their businesses? How can they overcome these obstacles?

Women entrepreneurs often face challenges such as limited access to funding, societal stereotypes, and balancing work-life commitments. Overcoming these obstacles requires building a robust support network, seeking mentors and leveraging platforms dedicated to women in business to gain visibility and access resources.

How can successful women leaders utilize their position to mentor and support aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Successful women leaders have a critical role in shaping the future for aspiring female entrepreneurs by mentoring, sharing insights and offering guidance based on their own experiences. By actively engaging in mentorship programmes and networking events, they can provide valuable support and encouragement, helping to pave the way for the next generation of women leaders.

How can businesses in Cyprus cultivate a more inclusive environment to facilitate the progression of women into leadership roles, while also advocating for gender diversity?

Businesses in Cyprus can cultivate a more inclusive environment by implementing policies that support work-life balance, offering leadership development programmes targeted at women, and ensuring that gender diversity is a key part of their corporate strategy. Advocating for and actively participating in initiatives that promote gender diversity can help break down barriers and foster an inclusive culture that values and progresses women into leadership roles.

What role does innovation play in empowering women entrepreneurs to compete in male-dominated industries, and what strategies can they employ to foster innovation within their businesses?

Innovation is crucial for empowering women entrepreneurs to break into and succeed in male-dominated industries. Women can foster innovation by staying adaptable, continually seeking new knowledge and skills and encouraging creative thinking within their teams. Collaborating with other innovators, leveraging technology and embracing a culture of continuous improvement can drive their businesses forward.

Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see for women in leadership positions in the future?

I’m optimistic about future advancements for women in leadership positions. I hope to see continued progress towards gender equality in all sectors. This includes increasing the representation of women in top leadership roles across industries, as well as closing the gender pay gap. Additionally, I look forward to seeing more support systems in place to help women navigate the unique challenges they may face in leadership positions, such as mentorship programmes and inclusive workplace policies. Ultimately, I hope for a future where gender is no longer a barrier to achieving success and where women are valued and respected as leaders in their fields.

How do you foster a sense of empowerment and inclusion among women in your organization?

At Energame, our commitment to diversity and inclusion isn’t just a statement – it’s a fundamental part of who we are. We’re dedicated to championing the incredible women who contribute to every part of our business, from leadership and innovation to excellence in all our operations. We don’t just declare empowerment; we embody it, with women making up 38% of our senior management team, 49% of our managers, and 44% of our workforce. Women at Energame aren’t just participants; they are leading the charge toward a brighter future, driving innovation and excellence at every level. As a matter of fact, we’ve recently established anti-discrimination policies to safeguard our diverse workforce, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, race, sexuality or any other trait. Our latest initiative includes implementing a company-wide Gender Equality Code of Conduct. We emphasize the significance of attaining gender equality to foster a fair society in which everyone has the same rights and opportunities.

(This Special Feature first appeared in the April edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.)