The energy of women
The energy of women
Enel reaffirms its internal policy for valuing diversity in all its forms, with particular attention to gender: it is not enough to declare the respect of fundamental principles like those of non-discrimination and social inclusion. Concrete actions are needed. From Chile to Italy, here are some examples.
Diversity and inclusion are the secrets of a good corporate balance. This has been pursued through a series of measures and good practices, awards and opportunities that Enel has created and supported over the years to enhance the professional life of over 62,000 employees in more than 30 countries around the world. This commitment also involves the consolidation of the role of women in our company.
In Chile, women are a source of energy
That’s why the Group, in Chile for over 11 years now, has been promoting a popular national prize for its social value and culture: Energía de Mujer (the energy of women) was launched in 2007 and has been awarded, to date, to more than 100 women chosen from among the representatives of the world of the arts, sports and communication, as well as leaders and entrepreneurs.
The prize is divided into 13 categories. A jury evaluates and chooses from a list of candidates proposed by employees of the Enel Group (over 2,000) and by the communication office. The candidates are assessed based on their contribution to the Chilean company to inspire other Chilean women in their careers or in other fields. The winners this year include: Liliana Solari (Award for Career), Honorary President and owner of one of the most important economic groups in Chile (Bethia); Marcela Serrano, one of Chile's most successful writers, and Erika Olivera, award-winning marathon runner.
They have all achieved significant results in their respective fields, ranging from art and music, through the environment and energy efficiency and sustainability, to education, entrepreneurship, journalism, communication, and sports.
In Italy, the first woman to run a hydro plant
From Chile to Italy, where Enel applies the principles of "diversity and inclusion" along at least four different lines: respect for gender equality, integration of different generations, facilities for mental and physical disabilities and the recognition of ethnic diversity. And this year, the first woman has been appointed to run an Enel hydroelectric power plant.
She’s young. And she’s an engineer. Anna Bassu, class of 1989, is now in charge of the Coghinas hydroelectric power plant, for 90 years now a record-breaking plant in the history of energy in Italy and the island of the Nuraghi.
"Being the first woman to run an Enel power station makes me very proud, but it also brings great responsibilities. The Coghinas plant has all it takes to make further fundamental steps in view of its 100 years at the service of Italy"
Anna Bassu, Head of the Coghinas Plants Unit at Enel
After her studies at the faculty of energy and nuclear engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin, in 2014, Anna Bassu joined Enel to deal with safety and environment in Sondrio. Now she will face the challenges of the plant on Lake Coghinas, halfway between about Sassari and Olbia, all related to the complete overhaul conducted last December by the Enel Sardinia Hydro Business Unit with the support of the units of the O&M Hydro supply chain.
At the end of the works which lasted six months, the plant is now able to produce 70,000 megawatts a year for 25,000 families, while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by about 45,000 kilograms.
An all women’s challenge.
"I have always been fascinated by the world of energy, by the idea of being able to study innovative solutions to reduce fuel consumption and improve the efficiency of energy processes, in addition to the desire to discover new places. The Coghinas plant finally offers me a highly competitive environment where I can put my skills to the test"
Anna Bassu, Head of the Coghinas Plants Unit at Enel