Minister Nankabirwa Launches Network for Women in Energy to Champion Gender Equity & Diversity in Sector

The Minister for Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa, has today launched the Women in Energy and Extractives Network (WEEN), committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the energy and extractives sector.

Officiating at the launch, Nankabirwa said, “The Women in Energy and Extractives Network” initiative, was established to promote gender equity and inclusion in the energy and extractives sector to provide a platform for women in the industry to connect, learn and collaborate.”

Adding, “This initiative is to focus on promoting and supporting women to grow and keep in the energy and extractives Industry and further see a sustainable network of women
Intergration and must grow the women’s network in the sector,”

In her opening remarks, The interim chairperson of WEEN, Dr Lyoidah Kiconco, also Head of Exploration and New Ventures at UNOC, said that women are underrepresented in the industry and often face challenges in accessing opportunities and resources.

“The purpose of WEEN is to promote gender equity and diversity in the energy and extractives industry by empowering and supporting women to reach their full potential. The network’s objectives include strengthening women’s networks in the Energy and Extractives Sector, elevating women’s profile in the industry, enhancing the participation of women in the sector, fostering female leadership, and advocating for gender integration in energy and extractives policies and programs at national, regional, and global levels,” she noted.

In her remarks, Eng Irene Pauline Batebe, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said WEEN is a crucial initiative that will enable them to empower and support women in the sector.

She adds that the lack of women’s representation in energy and extractives has been a challenge, “we believe that through this network, we can bridge this gap and enhance women’s participation in the sector,”

The expected outcomes of WEEN include increased participation of women in the energy and extractives sector, improved professional growth and development opportunities for women in the sector, increased awareness and advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment, and enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing among women in the sector.

The categories of membership in WEEN include Corporate Memberships, Enterprise Memberships, Associate Memberships, and Student Memberships.

The network will undertake activities such as launch events, networking events, mentorship and coaching, capacity building, and advocacy to achieve its objectives. The WEEN will organize training and capacity-building sessions to enhance the skills and knowledge of women in the sector, covering leadership, negotiation, and technical skills.