March 8 is marked as International Women’s Day (IWD). It is a day set aside to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women all over the world. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The day has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in many countries.

Women are commonly underrepresented in the fields of Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM), yet over the years, many have contributed to the various fields of STEM. Several other industries report this albeit in lesser degrees, than others.

There have been so many initiatives to address Gender Inequality by several quarters. Noteworthy is the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal number 5, which is to ‘Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls by 2030’.

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International headquartered in the USA has a committee, The Women in Energy Committee (WIN) dedicated to promoting gender diversity in E&P and creates opportunities for women to enable them step into leadership roles and pursue their career goals. In the same line, the SPE Nigeria Council has an equivalent committee, named ‘Our Women Our Pride’ which has the prime objective of encouraging more females to leadership in the E&P industry. Indeed Men are truly our Allies … in SPE, they have been advocates and champions of the change that has played a significant role in accelerating women’s equality.

We plead with CEOs and everyone to continue the commitment towards building diverse and inclusive organizations that challenge stereotypes and bias. The race is on for the gender-equal boardrooms and workplaces especially in STEM, why does it matter? Studies by leading global consulting groups have found that companies with a higher proportion of female executives showed stronger financial performance than those with no women in top positions… So what are we waiting for? Gender balance is not a Women’s issue, it is an Economic issue.

Happy International Women’s Day, let’s be #EachforEqual!!!
Our Women Our Pride SPE Nigeria Council

Engr. Amina Danmadami is the Chairperson, Our Women Our Pride, a women’s wing of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council

Happy #IWD2020 from all of us at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria. We tracked some of the superwomen that continue to work assiduously and contribute immensely towards achieving our aspirations. Here are their thoughts on #EachforEqual.

GenerationEquality

‘In every home, each child regardless of the assigned gender at birth should be given an equal opportunity to live a wholesome life.’

• Nkem Agbolor, Director Gas Development, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020

‘Giving an equal opportunity for women to earn the same salary as their male counterparts will play a major role in closing the gender gap.’

• Enobong Chibo, Deputy Director, Gas Department, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020

‘I can do anything I set my mind to do and as such, I am fully persuaded that no woman should be limited in any way.’

• Shim Bingel, Senior Geologist, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020

‘Equal representation, especially for women in politics and governance, is relevant and timely.’

• Olufunmilayo Kolajo, Senior Geologist, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020

‘Your gender shouldn’t preclude you from having halls. Women should continue to speak boldly to issues that affect them.’

• Blossom, Technical Assistant, Media and Strategy, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020

‘In the current society and to see the development that we seek, women should be empowered to fully commit to creating a better society

• Comfort Emenbu, Deputy Director, Gas Department, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020

‘Women should be given equal opportunities in terms of responsibilities and assigned roles in the marketplace to ensure full productivity.’

• Timilayefa Nwajueboe, Press and External Relations Unit, Petroleum Technology Development Fund

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020

‘Every child is important regardless of the assigned gender at birth and should be given equal opportunities to prosper.’

• Nneka Ikeagwu, Senior Petroleum Engineer, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020

‘Every gender representation should be given equal rights and opportunities in politics, education and in the family unit.’

• Gift Lloyd, Petroleum Engineer, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

GenerationEquality

EachforEqual.

IWD2020