Women in LPG Global Network 2024 Award Winners Announced
PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Paris, 18th December 2024
The Women in LPG Global Network (WINLPG) is an initiative that was launched in 2015 by the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA). Recognising the need to promote women, and young talent, in the LPG industry the WLGA created WINLPG as a platform to meet, connect, exchange and learn. Today, WINLPG has approaching 4,000 members and has fourteen active national chapters in the USA, Nigeria, South Africa, Myanmar, India, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, Morocco, Kenya, Türkiye Chile Tanzania and Colombia. WINLPG was co-founded by Alison Abbott, WLGA Communications Director, and Nikki Brown. The current WINLPG Global Chair is Pam Indurjeeth, Managing Director of Oryx Energies South Africa and former WINLPG Woman of the Year.
In 2018, WINLPG launched the Woman of the Year Award to to acknolwedge women who have made an important contribution to the LPG industry or who demonstrate significant motivation or show support for the cause of diversity, and who has enjoyed unparalleled career success. In 2019, WINLPG also launched a Young Woman of the Year Award and in 2023, WINLPG launched a new award, the Field/Technical Groundbreaker Award.
Acknowledging our Award Winners
This year saw a particularly impressive quality in applications for our three awards: Woman of the Year; Young Woman of and the second edition of the Technical/Groundbreaker award.
The WINLPG Woman of the Year award recognises women who have proven excellence in leadership, influence in their community and shown a significant contribution to supporting diversity within our industry. Our Woman of the Year 2024 is awarded to Refilwe Sebothoma, Founder and CEO of Hakem Energies, South Africa.
The WINLPG Young Woman of the Year recognises achievements from rising young talent who have shown signficiant contribution and commitment within the business and epitomose the values of WINLPG. Our Young Woman of the Year 2024 is awarded to Stephanie Anton, Ultragaz, Brazil.
In 2023 WINLPG launched a new award, the Field/Technical Groundbreaker Award, to recognise women who work in the field, or in technical roles, where they have overcome the specific challenges of working in these particular sectors and who can demonstrate success working within an environment where women are significantly under-represented. The second edition of the Field/Technical Groundbreaker Award goes to Thais Soares, Ultragaz, Brazil.
The winners were announced during LPG Week in Cape Town, in November 2024 and everyone who submitted an application will appear on the Class of 2024 hall of fame (https://www.worldliquidgas.org/key-focus-areas/women-in-lpg/). Lets hear from our inspirational winners:
‘I am incredibly honoured to receive the Woman of the Year award, a testament to the hard work and dedication we’ve put into Hakem, despite launching in an unknown industry filled with uncertainty and fear. This achievement serves as a reminder that if we invest the effort, success will follow. I dedicate this award to the pioneering women in the LPG industry whose paths have paved the way for us. I also commit to supporting and uplifting the next generation of women entering this field. This recognition inspires me to continue advocating for the eradication of energy poverty and empowering marginalized communities, as I firmly believe that LPG represents the most suitable, reliable, and accessible energy source for them. Together, we can create change and build a brighter future. One life, One family and One community at a time.’
Refilwe Sebothoma, WINLPG Woman of the Year and Founder and CEO of Hakem Energies, South Africa
‘Receiving the Young Woman Leader of the Year award is a profound honour, not just for me, but for all women striving to make workplaces more inclusive. This recognition reminds us that regardless of our age, there is always room to create meaningful change if we believe in its impact. It reflects the resilience and courage of countless women who challenge the status quo and pave the way for future generations. I am proud to contribute to this movement and hope this award inspires more organisations in our sector to intentionally address gender equity.’
Stephanie Anton, WINLPG Young Woman of the Year 2024 and Development and Education Manager, Ultragaz, Brazil
‘Winning the Technical Groundbreaker award is a reflection of the collective effort and dedication of my team at Ultragaz. This achievement inspires me to continue driving innovation and excellence in operations, while empowering other women to pursue their goals in technical and leadership roles. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow and contribute to such impactful projects, and I look forward to taking on new challenges that further enhance our Industry's safety, efficiency, and inclusivity.’
Thais Soares, WINLPG Field/Technical Groundbreaker 2024 and Production Manager, Ultragaz, Brazil
Photos left to right show Refilwe Sebothoma, Stephanie Anton and Thais Soares
About WLGA
The World Liquid Gas Association (WLPA) is the authoritative voice for the global LPG industry representing the full LPG value chain. The primary goal of the association is to add value to the sector by driving premium demand for LPG, while also promoting compliance to good business and safety practice. With over 300 members in 125 countries, the association brings together private and public companies involved in one, several or all activities of the industry, develops long-term partnerships with international organisations and implements projects on local and global scales. The Association was established in 1987 and granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council in 1989.
Contact Alison Abbott, Communications Director, WLGA (aabbott@wlpga.org)