The energy sector: Gender equality and inclusion in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is a big deal. The lack of diversity in the workforce is a real problem, not just in Nigeria but all over the world. Big energy companies are mostly run by men, and that needs to change. It’s not just about making the numbers look good; it’s about having a workforce that represents the people of Nigeria and Africa. Women make up a big part of the population, so they should have a big part in the energy sector too.
Having more women in leadership roles is good for business. Studies have shown that companies with more women in charge make more money. They also make better decisions and come up with new ideas faster. It’s not just about being fair; it’s about having the best people for the job. Isabelle Kocher, who used to be the boss at Engie, is a great example of this. She changed the company from a gas and electricity business to a leader in clean energy.
But it’s not enough to just have women in the room; they need to have real power. A study found that only 11% of the top jobs in oil and gas companies are held by women. That’s not good enough. We need to make sure that women have the chance to move up in their careers and get the top jobs. Companies can do this by setting clear goals for having more women in charge and making sure everyone gets the same chances.
The energy industry is changing, and we need to make sure that women are part of that change. We need new ideas and new ways of doing things, and women can help with that. If we want the energy sector to keep growing and be successful, we need to make sure that everyone has a chance to be part of it. That means having more women in charge and making sure they have the power to make a difference.