Women are entering Guyana’s oil and gas sector in growing numbers, but targeted support is now needed to ensure they can access contracts, financing, and technical opportunities. This is according to Kathy Smith, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
Speaking on the January 25 episode of Starting Point – Oil and Gas Edition, Smith said the GCCI is working hard to remove structural barriers that continue to limit women-owned businesses from fully participating in the sector, particularly at the contracting level.
She noted that many women had previously remained in the background of business spaces but are now stepping forward to take on more visible leadership roles, including joining GCCI committees.
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“I was also allowed to see how we can integrate more women in the space of the oil sector, because what we have noticed is that women are getting into the space in bigger numbers. But what I think is the barrier, there is a barrier now for contracts… we need to create a way where women can now access contracts,” Smith said.
“Some of them are getting the contracts but don’t have the finance to execute,” Smith noted, adding that financial institutions offering tools such as invoice financing must play a larger role.
To improve visibility and trust between women-owned businesses and major operators, the GCCI has shifted its engagement strategy by hosting oil and gas companies directly at the Chamber.
She said that networking must be treated as a strategic business exercise, not a social formality.
“Women need access to networking… So what I’ve started to do is to invite the oil companies to come to the GCCI. First, we were going to places like CLBD (Centre for Local Business Development) for the suppliers’ forum. Now they’re coming to the GCCI.”
She added, “We have done it with ExxonMobil, we have done it with MODEC, we have done it with Saipem, and other organizations because we need networking.”
Smith urged women to approach networking with clarity about the value they bring.
“Guyana needs to move away from the place where we think a networking event is just to turn up, have a drink, take a picture for social media, and go…When you enter that room, you want them to know your talent, your skill, what you can bring — so they can trust you even when you’re not in the room,” she said.
With oil and gas activity continuing to expand and labour shortages already evident across the sector, Smith believes the conditions are right for women’s participation to grow rapidly — once the right support systems are in place.
