“Women have a critical role to play in the global energy transition. We need their skills, expertise, and innovative thinking to help us achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
– Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency.
Following the momentous occasion of International Women’s Day, the African Energy Chamber is filled with pride as it unveils its latest undertaking that seeks to celebrate and empower women in the energy sector. This initiative, known as the African Women Business Energy Network, is a clear testament to the Chamber’s commitment to promoting gender diversity and inclusivity within the energy industry.
The launch of the African Women Business Energy Network marks a significant milestone for the African Energy Chamber, as it is a crucial step towards bridging the gender gap in the energy sector. By providing a platform for women to connect, collaborate, and share ideas, the Network aims to enhance the participation of women in the energy industry, ultimately leading to greater representation and more leadership opportunities. This innovative initiative is a reflection of the African Energy Chamber’s recognition of the valuable contributions that women have made and continue to make to the energy industry. The African Women Business Energy Network will serve as a catalyst for the development of female talent in the sector, providing a supportive environment where women can thrive and achieve their full potential.
The African Energy Chamber is confident that this new initiative will inspire and empower women in the energy sector to continue breaking down barriers and achieving remarkable success. The Network will also create a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a common goal of advancing the role of women in the energy industry.
The International Energy Agency has revealed that despite comprising 39% of the global labor force, women hold a meager 22% of positions in the traditional energy sector. This disparity is even more pronounced at the management level, where women’s representation is even lower. Additionally, women in the energy industry encounter similar barriers to those faced in other economic sectors. However, the challenges of the energy sector are particularly pressing as the industry is currently undergoing a transformative phase. The transition towards clean energy sources necessitates the adoption of innovative solutions and business models, which require participation from a diverse talent pool. As such, it is crucial to promote gender diversity and inclusivity within the energy sector to address these challenges effectively. By doing so, the industry can leverage the full potential of a diverse workforce and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices.
The energy industry has long struggled with a lack of gender representation, and the African Women Business Energy Network (AWBEN) has been established to address this issue. AWBEN is focused on advancing women and women-owned businesses in the energy sector throughout the African continent, as well as driving direct business opportunities and revenue into the hands of women in the region.
To achieve its goals, AWBEN has developed several key initiatives. These include promoting collaboration among African women in the energy industry, hosting mentorship programs to provide guidance and support to women, and empowering women to take ownership of their personal and professional development. AWBEN also offers coaching and sponsorship opportunities for girls interested in STEM fields, aiming to create more pathways for African women to pursue leadership roles in the energy sector. In addition, AWBEN recognizes the potential of digital technology to enhance participation and representation in the energy industry. This aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” Through leveraging digital platforms, AWBEN hopes to create new opportunities for women and drive progress towards a more diverse and inclusive energy industry.
“We need to empower more African women to benefit from the oil and gas industry, whether we’re talking about opportunities for boots on the ground jobs at drill sites, professional positions, leadership roles or business opportunities for women-owned enterprises”
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
The African Energy Chamber is proud to be a signatory of the Equal by 30 Campaign and is deeply committed to promoting gender equality initiatives. The Chamber recognizes that improving gender representation in the energy industry is not only the right thing to do but also brings significant socioeconomic benefits. The African Women Business Energy Network is a crucial platform for driving this commitment forward. Through AWBEN, the Chamber will continue to support African women in the energy industry by providing them with dedicated resources, networks, and mentorship opportunities. By doing so, AWBEN aims to improve gender representation, promote leadership opportunities, and ensure that African women are equipped with the skills and resources they need to succeed in the industry. The African Energy Chamber understands that the path towards gender equality is a long one, but with continued dedication and practical support, we can make meaningful progress towards a more inclusive and diverse energy industry.
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