Marieme-Sav Sow, Vice President for Engagement and Advocacy at TotalEnergies EP Africa, is urging the energy sector to move beyond symbolic gender quotas and create structures that genuinely amplify women’s influence.

Speaking on Sunday, Sow emphasized that while women are increasingly visible in junior roles and at industry events, the spaces where critical decisions are made remain largely male-dominated. She highlighted that her experience as often the only African woman in global boardrooms gives her a unique perspective that benefits organizational outcomes.
“I’m tired of seeing Women’s Day celebrations replace real change. The goal isn’t just more women at the table; it’s building the table we deserve,” Sow said.

She advocated for intentional systems that naturally support female leadership rather than relying on arbitrary targets. Sow pointed to examples from Mozambique, where a female engineer’s insights corrected a key technical flaw, and from Uganda, where project structures requiring joint spousal approvals for compensation have improved decision-making by including women’s perspectives.

In TotalEnergies’ Nigerian operations, Sow noted that over half of senior roles filled between 2022 and 2024 went to women – a result of deliberate talent development rather than quotas.
Sow warned that excluding women from leadership could make Africa’s energy transition as unequal as the past and encouraged both women and companies to actively pursue leadership, mentorship, and skills development.

“Women need to step boldly into leadership, and companies must create policies and support systems that allow them to grow,” she said, stressing that real influence comes from participation and empowerment, not mere presence.