LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Women In Energy Network (WIEN), an advocacy group, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the incoming administration on the inclusion of women in the affairs of the energy sector.
According to Mrs. Funmi Ogbue, WIEN’s National President, who made this disclosure at a news briefing in Lagos, women should occupy a minimum of 35% in the make up of the energy sector in the new administration.
Ogbue who was represented by Mrs. Charlotte Essiet, the organization’s Publicity Director, added that the inclusion of women in the energy sector can be achieved through the creation of policies and initiatives that promote equal opportunities, gender diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Following a recent report by the International Energy Agency which revealed that women make up only 22% of the energy industry’s workforce in Nigeria, and only 12% occupy senior management roles, WIEN believes that there’s need for concerted efforts to promote gender diversity in the sector, while also stating that the new administration has a critical role to play in this regard.
WIEN also seized the opportunity to reveal mentorship plans for young women in the energy sector as part of its plans to celebrate the 2023 International Women’s Day event.
Riding on the theme “Programmes & Initiatives for Equitable Access for Women in the Nigerian Energy Industry” WIEN says it is partnering with Women in Shell Network and Seplat for its Breakfast Session billed to hold in Lagos on 24 March, 2023.
Mrs. Ogbue said: “Now in its third edition, our first two breakfast sessions have successfully brought together women in the industry to discuss the challenges they face and share experiences.
“These sessions have provided valuable insights into the issues affecting women in the sector, and we are committed to addressing these challenges through our upcoming event.
“As we all know, the energy industry is critical to the growth and development of Nigeria, and women play an essential role in driving innovation, excellence, and progress in this field.
“However, despite their contributions, women still face significant barriers to entry and advancement in the energy sector.
“That is why the WIEN 2023 International Women’s Day Breakfast Session is so timely and essential.
“This event brings together industry experts, policymakers, and advocates to share insights on the various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting equitable access for women in the Nigerian energy industry.”
She added: “Since our inception in 2020, WIEN has been committed to the promotion and advancement of women in the energy sector. We have worked tirelessly to empower women through various initiatives and programs. Some of our key activities include:
“Providing training and mentoring opportunities: We believe that women need to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the energy sector. To this end, we have organized training and mentoring programs that provide women with the tools they need to advance their careers.
“Organizing networking events: We understand the importance of networking in the energy sector, and we have organized several events that bring women in the industry together to share experiences, build relationships, and create opportunities.
“Advocating for equal opportunities and gender diversity in the workplace: We believe that gender diversity is essential for the success of the energy sector, and we have been actively advocating for equal opportunities and gender diversity in the workplace.”
During the press briefing in Lagos, Mrs. Bimbo Onakomaiya, the Chairperson of the WEIN International Women’s Day Committee informed startups of the availability of funds, if they follow the right criteria.
She noted that there are opportunities for women to access grants to get ahead with their businesses, however, this has to be done appropriately.
“Availability of funds does not necessarily mean that you are going to get the funds. You need to be able to meet some criteria, because whoever is going to give you the funds will expect a return on investment after a certain period of time.
“As we speak today, we have made our members aware that the funds are indeed available. It is now their own duty to do their own due diligence as to which aspect of the funding that they would want to reach into.
“We can say with a high degree of confidence that those that have the funds available are inclined to help and inclined to assist because we know that little drops of water make a mighty ocean.
“So anybody that starts off as startup and approaches us, and we have the wherewithal to be able to assist them, we will definitely do our best, especially if you’re a female in the energy industry,” Mrs. Onakomaiya stated.
