Sopuruchi Onwuka

Leaders of the Nigerian frontline gender equity advocates, Women in Energy Network (WIEN), stormed the GasTech conference in the United States to engage local, regional and global industry captains on the need to secure the career growth path for women in the industry.

The Oracle Today reports that large number of global energy companies forms the players and partners to governments of petroleum producing countries in Africa and in the world. They determine and can also cause changes to key company principles that affect the growth of female professionals in their employment.

Gastech is a leading international forum for energy leaders and it brings industry captains, technology innovators, and policymakers together from around the world.

Thus, the conference forms a formidable advocacy selling point for WIEN given the congregation of global industry captains, technology services providers and financial brokers that throng the annual summit to crossbreed ideas, share innovations, forge new partnerships and explore new business networks.

Executive Chairman of Millenium Oil & Gas Company Limited and Chairman of WIEN Board Of Trustees, , Cecilia Umoren,  poses with the Managing Director of PCC Gas Limited, Ann Jing Luo, during the Gastech 2024 in Houston, TX, United States

 

The WIEN, as a group, houses Nigeria’s strongest stallions in the energy business; it also hosts the largest number of primed female professionals in the energy industry; and it delivers greatest impacts in supporting its members succeed in business and careers.

President of the group, Mrs Eyono Fatai-Williams, had stated earlier in the year that WIEN would take its advocacy and support schemes for women led businesses to the global stage with the objective to showcase their capacity and capabilities, and also provide them parallel lanes to global exposure and rewarding business networks.

So, group’s outing at the 2024 Gastech offers unparalleled opportunities to advance its gender equity advocacy and unlock valuable business networking potential for female professionals in the energy sector.

With the global energy industry at a pivotal moment, WIEN’s presence on the world stage would deliver both strategic influence and meaningful partnerships that could accelerate gender equity and equality of opportunities in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

The presence of WIEN’s delegates surely would position the organization in front of the most influential decision-makers in the energy space, including multinational corporations and government officials. This global exposure is crucial for advocating gender equity policies that can lead to tangible changes in the workplace—such as improved recruitment, retention, and career advancement opportunities for women in energy.

Acting MD and Gas Asset Manager at Neconde Energy Limited and VP in charge of Upstream at WIEN, Engr. Chichi Emenike; and Managing Partner at Lyfted Consults LLC, Ifeoma Ukabiala, at the Gastech 2024

 

By engaging these industry giants, WIEN can champion policies that benefit female professionals, ranging from equitable pay structures to mentorship programs and leadership pathways for women. The conference’s global scale provides an unparalleled opportunity to shift corporate policies that impact not only Nigeria but the broader energy landscape across Africa and the world.

This advocacy will resonate strongly with companies striving for diversity and inclusion, many of whom are seeking to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

Again, Gastech is a hub for fostering international business relationships with energy companies, technology providers, and financial institutions all present to explore partnerships and investment opportunities. For WIEN members, this is a unique chance to tap into a diverse pool of industry players who can support the growth of women-led businesses. These connections can result in strategic collaborations, funding opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge innovations that could elevate the competitive edge of female professionals and entrepreneurs in the energy sector.

Through these networks, WIEN delegates can gain insights into emerging trends, new markets, and technological advances that are shaping the future of energy. The access to potential partners, clients, and investors is vital for female-owned businesses seeking to scale and establish a foothold in the global energy market.

Moreover, the exchange of ideas and experiences with international counterparts will equip WIEN members with knowledge that can be leveraged to boost their influence and success within Nigeria and beyond.

WIEN’s involvement at Gastech 2024 would not only showcase the talent and leadership of Nigerian women in energy but also reinforce the country’s role in shaping the future of the global energy industry.

WIEN’s members include some of the most prominent female professionals in Nigeria, and their participation would highlight their expertise, innovation, and leadership. This visibility is critical for positioning Nigerian women as key players in the energy transition, further opening doors to executive roles, board appointments, and high-level decision-making positions on a global scale.

Gastech provides the ideal environment for WIEN to strengthen existing relationships with international organizations while forming new alliances. By collaborating with global gender advocacy groups, international energy associations, and forward-thinking corporations, WIEN can amplify its efforts and broaden its impact. These partnerships would create synergies that help WIEN push for greater policy changes, drive support for women’s participation in energy, and build capacity for its members.

Therefore, WIEN’s participation at the 2024 Gastech conference in Houston represents a strategic move to advocate for gender equity on a global scale, foster critical business networks, and enhance the visibility of Nigerian women in energy. By seizing this opportunity, WIEN can lead the charge in transforming the energy industry’s gender landscape, ensuring that women have equal access to opportunities, resources, and recognition in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors.