Africa’s leading gender equity organization in the energy industry, Women In Energy Network (WIEN), has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping female professionals with the leadership, mentoring and networking opportunities needed to accelerate their careers and strengthen women’s participation across the energy value chain.

The organisation restated the commitment after successfully hosting the twin sessions of its inaugural WIEN Midyear Hangout 2026, themed “Reset and Connect,” an initiative aimed at promoting professional development, wellness and stronger collaboration among women working in the energy sector.

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Led by its President, Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, WIEN said the programme reflects its continued focus on nurturing female professionals through structured mentorship, career development, institutional support and meaningful industry connections.

The Abuja edition, held on July 7 alongside the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week, marked the second session of the midyear gathering, following the flagship event hosted in Lagos in June. Organisers said scheduling the Abuja event during NOG Energy Week enabled members travelling from different parts of the country to participate, reconnect and expand their professional networks.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, WIEN noted that the Midyear Hangout was intentionally designed to provide members with an opportunity to pause from the demands of their professional and personal responsibilities, reflect on achievements during the first half of the year, reconnect with colleagues and refocus on future goals and opportunities.

A major highlight of the programme was a wellness session facilitated by Wellness and Lifestyle Coach, Tolu Afonja, who encouraged participants to embrace intentional living and make personal wellbeing an integral part of their leadership journey.

Afonja emphasised the importance of achieving balance between career aspirations and personal health, urging participants to cultivate healthy habits that support long-term professional excellence and personal fulfilment.

According to WIEN, the session reinforced the message that sustainable career success is built not only on ambition and performance but also on resilience, wellness and the willingness to periodically reset.

Beyond the wellness discussions, the event served as a platform for mentorship and professional networking, bringing together women from across the energy value chain to exchange experiences, share insights and strengthen professional relationships.

Participants engaged in conversations focused on career growth, leadership development and collaboration, underscoring WIEN’s mission of creating an inclusive community where women support one another through mentorship and shared learning.

The gathering also featured recreational activities, including games, dancing and informal interactions, which organisers said helped deepen relationships among members while reinforcing the sense of sisterhood that defines the organisation.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the programme, WIEN identified several key takeaways, including the recognition of wellness as an essential leadership practice and the importance of prioritising physical, emotional and mental wellbeing for sustained professional success.

The organisation also stressed that taking time to reflect and reset enables professionals to approach new opportunities and challenges with greater clarity, renewed energy and resilience.

WIEN further highlighted networking and mentorship as indispensable tools for career advancement, noting that meaningful professional relationships open doors to collaboration, learning and leadership opportunities.

The organisation equally emphasised the role of strong communities in supporting women’s leadership journeys, saying an environment built on encouragement, trust and shared experiences empowers women to grow, lead and thrive.

According to WIEN, creating space for joy, celebration and authentic human connections is equally important in strengthening relationships and fostering a lasting sense of belonging among members.

Reaffirming its mission, the network said it remains committed to advancing women’s participation and leadership across the energy industry through programmes that combine professional excellence with personal wellbeing, mentorship and community building.

It added that both the Lagos and Abuja editions of the inaugural Midyear Hangout successfully provided members with valuable opportunities for wellness, networking, mentorship and meaningful connections, while reinforcing the organisation’s long-term vision of empowering more women to lead and make lasting contributions across the energy sector.