Waltersmith, FIRST E&P, Sahara Group & SNEPCO Partner Women in Energy Network for 2026 Gala
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Women in Energy Network (WIEN) is marking its six-year anniversary with the launch of a new DEI Benchmark and an inaugural gala event. The initiative aims to shift the focus from qualitative advocacy to empirical, data-driven strategies for increasing female leadership and participation in the Nigerian energy sector.
Context & Background
- ✦The Nigerian energy sector faces a significant gender gap, with women accounting for only 18% of the extractive industry workforce according to NEITI data.
- ✦WIEN seeks to address these disparities by fostering mentorship, capacity-building, and institutional collaboration across the energy value chain.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Dr. Cecilia Umoren, Chair of the WIEN Board of Trustees, emphasizes the need for evidence-based outcomes in gender advocacy.•Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, President of WIEN, is spearheading the strategic pivot toward the KPMG-partnered DEI Benchmark.•Platinum sponsors include Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, FIRST E&P, and Sahara Group.
Outlook & Next Steps
The network will host the inaugural WIEN Gala & Awards on 11 November 2026, where it will present the new DEI Benchmark and honor industry leaders, with corporate and individual reservations currently open.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) is launching a landmark Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Benchmark developed with KPMG to provide measurable data on female participation in the energy sector.
- The inaugural WIEN Gala & Awards 2026 will be held on 11 November 2026 at The Metropolitan Club, Lagos, to celebrate six years of the network's advocacy and institutional impact.
- Major industry players including Waltersmith, FIRST E&P, Sahara Group, and SNEPCO are supporting the event as Platinum Sponsors, highlighting a collective industry commitment to gender inclusivity.
Key Facts:2020: The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) was established to advance female participation and leadership in the energy sector.11 November 2026: The inaugural WIEN Gala & Awards 2026 is scheduled to take place in Lagos.
Editorial Excerpt
Women in Energy Network marks six years of advancing women’s participation and leadership with the launch of a landmark DEI Benchmark developed in partnership with KPMG.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the purpose of the new WIEN DEI Benchmark?
The benchmark, developed with KPMG, is designed to help organizations assess their current position regarding gender diversity, identify gaps, and track progress in female representation.
What does data suggest about women's representation in the Nigerian energy sector?
According to NEITI data cited by WIEN, women make up only about 18% of Nigeria’s extractive sector workforce, with even lower representation in technical disciplines and senior leadership.
