WIEN urges FG to increase female appointments

A gender advocacy group in the energy industry, Women in Energy Network, has urged President Bola Tinubu to boost gender equity and inclusion, in order to achieve 35 per cent female appointment in major government agencies.
The President, WIEN, Mrs Funmi Ogbue, who is also the managing director of Zigma , said this in a statement titled ‘WIEN requests Tinubu to embrace gender diversity, inclusion’.
According to the statement, the group promotes affirmative action and gender equity for female professionals and workers in male-dominated corporate and government positions.
WIEN appealed to the government not to leave out its members in the appointment of board members and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“The group which champions career advancement for qualified female professionals in male-dominated petroleum and electric power sectors of the economy wants the new President to add fillip to the
prevailing global affirmative action on gender inclusivity in government,” the statement said.
WIEN said in a congratulatory letter earlier sent to the President, it stated that a diverse team would foster innovation, creativity, equitable and balanced decision-making, and better results.
It said, the letter commended Tinubu’s government on its commitment to diversity and inclusion; and offered to work closely with him in areas of proved capacity, expertise and experience.
WIEN recalled that the President had upon assumption of office, dissolved all boards of government agencies and state enterprises, but had made few female appointments.
The statement said, “We are a dynamic and dedicated organisation committed to promoting participation of women in the energy sector and empowering them to excel in leadership roles.
“Our network comprises a diverse group of highly skilled and accomplished women who have made substantial contributions to the energy sector and have achieved some remarkable results in the process.”
According to the statement, a body of experts from WIEN liaised with the National Assembly to ensure gender consideration in the Petroleum Industry Act; partnered with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to set up a sectoral working group and fund for women, and also built a college and varsity scholarship programme for science-inclined rural students.