From Entry to Elevation: The Global Women in Pipeline Forum at PTC 2026
A global panel at PTC 2026 highlights strategies to recruit, retain and advance women in the pipeline industry, offering practical insights on leadership, mentorship and workforce development.
Jim Watkins, European Business Development Director and Podcast Host
(P&GJ) — Day Four of the Pipeline Technology Conference (PTC) in Berlin, Germany featured one of the week’s most compelling sessions: a global panel on recruiting, retaining and advancing women and young professionals in the pipeline sector. Moderated by Cara Robb, National Chair of the Women in Pipelines Forum at the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association, the discussion was frank, practical and personal.
Robb opened with an honest framing of the challenge. “The gas and pipeline industry isn’t necessarily a sexy industry to be in,” she said, noting that renewables are pulling engineers away. She pointed to measurable progress in Australia, where the Women in Pipelines Forum has grown over 5 yrs from a dinner conversation into a movement. At her first APGA industry event, she counted ten women in a room of 230. At the most recent one, women made up 30%–35% of attendees.
Caroline Reis of Nova Transportadora do Sudeste in Brazil credited job rotation for her growth from operations into commercial leadership, arguing that a broad view of the business is essential preparation for senior roles. Dr. Joy Zeluwa Sotunde of Nigeria’s NMDPRA described building her career by volunteering for the field assignments no one else wanted, including offshore visits outside Lagos. “If you’re not visible, you are going to fail,” she said.
The panel’s sharpest framework came from Dr. Olugbenga Ibikunle of Avonatec, Canada, who drew a clear line between mentorship and sponsorship. “You can seek a mentor. You cannot seek a sponsor. You have to attract one.” He identified two currencies for attracting sponsorship: performance, meaning technical credibility and a willingness to say yes, and relationships, meaning genuine interest in the people around you. He also pushed back hard on perfectionism. “Men see a little green light and they go. Stop waiting for 100% readiness. Start self-nominating before you feel ready.”
The session closed with book recommendations and audience questions. The room left with actionable advice and a clear message: inclusion in this industry won’t happen by accident. It requires strategy, visibility and the courage to raise your hand before you feel ready.