Celebrating International Women’s Day

At SSEN Transmission, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across our industry while recognising the importance of continuing to drive progress. By supporting diversity of thought and experience, we can build stronger teams, encourage innovation, and create a more equal future for all. 
 
To mark the occasion, we spoke with key leaders across SSEN Transmission about what International Women’s Day means to them, the progress made so far, and the steps we can take to create a more inclusive future.

Allie Walker, Director of HR, highlights the importance of leadership in driving inclusion 
 
For Allie, inclusion and merit go hand in hand. She emphasises the role that leadership plays in fostering a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to progress and succeed: 
 
“I'm delighted to celebrate International Women's Day - not only recognising the brilliant women across Transmission but also the incredible male allies who actively advocate for equality.  

International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the progress made - from electoral equality in 1928 to a world where women play pivotal roles across industries, shaping the future in meaningful ways. It’s a day to acknowledge these achievements while also considering what more we can do to create true equality of opportunity for everyone, regardless of gender or background. 

At Transmission, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. One of the initiatives making a real difference is our reverse mentoring programme, launched two years ago. By pairing senior leaders with colleagues from different backgrounds and perspectives, we create opportunities for open conversations, deeper understanding, and meaningful change. 

Having been part of the Transmission Executive Team since 2019, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside inspiring colleagues who have supported me throughout my journey. In particular, my female peers at the time, played a pivotal role in my early days. Their support, insights, and encouragement have been invaluable.  

For anyone looking to build a rewarding and sustainable career, my advice is simple: be brave - seize opportunities; that broaden your experience, build a strong network of advocates and mentors, and, above all, find a role you love (or at least enjoy). Work is a big part of life - it’s important to find something you believe in and feel passionate about.”

Thomas Nicoll, Senior Communications Manager, reflects on progress and the journey ahead 
 
Thomas acknowledges the significant strides made in gender equality over the years but believes there is still work to be done. He discusses the importance of continued advocacy and why organisations must keep pushing for meaningful change: 
 
“International Women's Day holds great significance for me. As the proud dad of a smart, driven, and ambitious 10-year-old girl, I’m grateful to live in a time where the achievements of women are celebrated so passionately, and opportunities continue to expand across industries. I want my daughter to grow up seeing the incredible accomplishments of women, inspiring her to pursue whatever path she chooses - and International Women’s Day plays a vital role in reinforcing that message. 

Earlier in my career, I had the opportunity to work on a Women in Power campaign, highlighting the inspiring women making an impact in the energy sector. It’s still live on our careers website today, and I hope it continues to encourage more women to consider careers in this industry. 

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with many exceptional women who have shaped my perspective and influenced the way I work. Their leadership, insight, and drive continue to inspire me every day. 

While progress has been made, there’s still more to do in driving greater gender diversity, particularly in technical and leadership roles. The energy industry has a real opportunity to lead the way in making meaningful change - and encouraging more young women into STEM careers must remain a key focus.” 

Cat Gourlay, Head of Customer & Stakeholder Projects, on the power of opportunity 
 
Cat shares her perspective on the role of workplace culture in supporting career growth. She reflects on how stepping outside of comfort zones, embracing new opportunities, and having strong advocates in the workplace can drive both personal and professional success: 
 
“International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the progress made toward achieving equality for all, regardless of gender. While there is still work to be done, it’s important to acknowledge the strides that have been taken. Even in just a generation, cultural shifts, policy advancements, and workplace practices have improved significantly, and I hope to see this continue in building a more equal society for everyone. 

Since joining Transmission, I’ve been fortunate to work in an environment where I’ve never felt that my gender has been a barrier to progression. This has been a refreshing experience compared to previous roles in similar-sized operational businesses. The culture here is one where I truly believe anyone can grow and succeed based on their skills and contributions. 

For anyone looking to advance in their career, my advice is to take opportunities outside of your day-to-day role. Getting involved in new projects can help expand your experience, build connections, and open doors to future opportunities.

Ricky Saez, Programme Director, Eastern Green Link, on the role of male allies in creating change 
 
As a father of four daughters, Ricky sees International Women’s Day as a moment for reflection. He discusses the importance of active allyship, the steps men can take to support gender equality in the workplace, and how we can all contribute to building a more inclusive future: 
 
“To achieve true fairness, we need both merit and inclusion. 

As a senior leader, I believe it’s my responsibility to foster an environment where opportunities for success are based on ability, without barriers. International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the invaluable contributions of women in the workplace and the diversity of thought that drives innovation, collaboration, and progress. 

To mark the occasion, on our Eastern Green Link projects, we’re running a week-long programme focused on creating opportunities for inclusion, exploring how we can better advocate for gender equality, and providing a platform for women to share their perspectives on what meaningful support looks like. We’re also engaging with our industry partners to learn from their experiences and best practices in building more inclusive workplaces. 

On a personal note, as a father to four daughters and one son, events like International Women’s Day remind me to reflect on the legacy I’m building for the next generation. How can I ensure that I’m using my platform to create lasting, positive change? I encourage everyone to consider the steps they can take - big or small - to shape a future that future generations will be proud of.”