WIEN seeks government, corporate partnership on diversity

Sopuruchi Onwuka

Leading advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion in the Nigerian energy sector, Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has called for the collaboration of government agencies and corporate captains in harnessing the enormous capacity of women in creating a greater and more efficient energy industry.

President of WIEN, Mrs Eyono Fatai-Williams, declared at the recent industry debate in Lagos that government’s regulators and corporate organizations in the energy industry should work collaboratively to provide more chairs for women in the boards of agencies and companies.

The call by Mrs Fatai-Williams resonates as the industry captains, policy makers and regulators pool together in Abuja for weeklong series of policy debates at the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIES) Energy Week.

“I think it is may be a missed opportunities at the workshop to say we really if we fail to call on the industry,  the corporate   to say please open their doors to collaborate and allow or make a room; put up a chair  for women  to sit at the table particularly in the leadership,” she stated.

She particularly called on the members of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) comprising some leading 20 Nigerian companies and the international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria to demonstrate implementation of gender diversity at their leadership level. 

Mrs Fatai-Williams pointed at the leads already set by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), saying that other regulatory agencies of the government could do as much or even better in recognizing the critical role of gender diversity in galvanizing national content and comprehensive capacity development for the energy sector.

“So, that is really something we are calling for.  NCDMB has a diversity sectoral work group. We want to commend NCDMB for that; but we ask them to please do more. There is more they can do.”

Mrs Fatai-Williams also pointed at the core issues of sponsoring girls in the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); adding that companies must prioritize young women in their internship placements as a deliberate strategy to bridge the widening gender gaps in operations and maintenance crews.

She also called on the industry to create space for women in all sectors of the full energy industry, including providing business incubation opportunities “where women can try their hands and get their businesses to grow.”

The Oracle Today reports that the 7th edition of the NIES has integrated the Women in Energy Roundtable as a central pillar of the event for the first time.

The session, scheduled for February 27th, 2024 by 2.30pm at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, is poised to serve as a catalyst for transformative dialogue, offering women professionals in the energy sector a vital platform to share experiences, foster inclusivity, and champion gender diversity.

According to the organizers of the event, the Women in Energy Roundtable promises an invigorating exploration of the multifaceted experiences of women across diverse roles within the energy landscape.

By illuminating the pivotal themes of inclusivity, mentorship, and leadership development, the Roundtable is poised to chart a course towards a more equitable industry future. Additionally, by delving into pressing industry trends and the instrumental role of women in propelling innovation and sustainability, this session is primed to ignite a compelling narrative of progress and empowerment.

“As we gather to celebrate the achievements of women and amplify their voices, at NIES 2024 Women in Energy Roundtable, we are not only shaping the present but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the energy sector,” said Dr. Mrs. Blessing Enakimio, Director of Events at Brevity Anderson, NIES event producers.

At its core, the Women in Energy Roundtable stands as a beacon of celebration, amplifying the extraordinary achievements of women across varied domains within the energy sector. Through candid discussions, panelists will navigate personal career trajectories, articulate the significance of female leadership and mentorship, and strategize on combating entrenched gender biases and stereotypes endemic to the field.

The Roundtable will be graced by esteemed guests of honor, including Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, and Dr. Doris Anite, Minister for Industry, Trade & Investment.

Among the illustrious panelists slated to grace the session are: Mrs. Olu Arowolo Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Energy; Mrs. Adesua Dozie, Vice Chairman, ExxonMobil Nigeria; Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President (E & P), NNPC Limited; Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, Managing Director, SNEPCo; Mrs. Uju Ifejika, Chairman/CEO, Brittania U Limited; Mrs. Nkechi Obi, Group Managing Director, Technooil Limited; Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, President Women in Energy Network/Former GM (External Relations), NLNG Limited.

With an unwavering commitment to catalyzing positive change and nurturing the next generation of women trailblazers in the energy sector, the Women in Energy Roundtable pledges to inspire, empower, and galvanize towards a future defined by inclusivity, equality, and sustainable progress.