WIEN secures NGA partnership on gender diversity in energy industry
Sopuruchi Onwuka
Nigeria’s foremost workplace gender equity advocacy group, Women in Energy Network (WIEN) is collaborating with the new leadership of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) to evolve a structured data based approach to gender balancing in the industry.
The NGA which has commissioned a study group to lend its weight to supporting contemporary good practices on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is collaborating with WIEN to optimize already existing networks and programmes in delivering the objectives of both partners.
The DEI Study Group, according to NGA, will champion the association’s drive for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive oil and gas industry in Nigeria and in so doing, help to interrogate the status quo, identify relevant issues, challenges and opportunities.
Ultimately, it will proffer recommendations to deliver the long overdue transformational changes on DEI.
Chaired by Engr Chichi Emenike, the DEI Study Group is tasked with developing programs, solutions and awareness campaigns to support that will create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, abilities and gender, can thrive and contribute to the industry’s growth through strategic collaboration, and innovative initiatives, supported by the NGA’s unwavering commitment.
Other members of the DEI Study Group include Eyono- Fatayi-Williams – Vice Chairperson, and Ekomobong Alfred – Secretary.
In alignment with the NGA’s objective, the DEI Study Group is collaborating with the Women In Energy Network (‘WIEN’), a leading advocacy platform for women’s advancement in the energy sector. The DEI Study Group will leverage WIEN’s extensive network and its commitment to empowerment in bequeathing a more equitable and diverse energy sector.
Commenting on the initiative, Engr Emenike stated, “We are keen to foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion within the oil and gas industry by promoting valuable opportunities and support for women, whilst driving innovation excellence and sustainable growth for the industry and beyond.”
“We are proud to partner with WIEN on this mission, and together, we will be pioneering change, amplifying voices, and creating pathways for women to excel in their careers”.
The DEI Study Group seeks to achieve its goals by encouraging industry players to amongst other initiatives, create more internship opportunities for women, enabling them to gain practical experience and contribute to the industry’s development. It will also help to promote enhanced early-stage access for girls to Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (‘STEM’) subjects which will ultimately enhance the technical talent pipeline for women and in the long term improve DEI statistics in the oil and gas industry.
The DEI Study Group will also institute mentorship programmes and relationships that will provide guidance, support, and opportunities for networking to young women in the industry, and for that purpose is mandated to collaborate with industry leaders to improve the policy environment and organisational practices that support gender diversity and inclusion.
Also commenting on the DEI initiative, Mr Akachukwu Nwokedi, the President of the NGA, said, “We are convinced that the time is now for organisations like the NGA to lead in entrenching the core values of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in the oil and gas industry, Nigeria’s economic driver to grow and sustain a more diverse workforce in the energy sector.
“We enjoin individuals, organisations, and stakeholders within the Nigerian oil and gas sector to join us on this transformative journey.”
“Through participation in the NGA DEI Study Group, you can contribute to shaping an industry that embraces these core values, and inclusion culture as we work towards a brighter future for all”, he added.
