Waltersmith, FIRST E&P, Sahara Group & SNEPCO Partner Women in Energy Network for 2026 Gala (Tech Cabal)

AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Women in Energy Network (WIEN) is set to host its inaugural Gala & Awards on 11 November 2026 to mark six years of advocacy. The event will feature the launch of a landmark DEI Benchmark created with KPMG to drive measurable improvements in gender diversity across the energy value chain.
Context & Background
- ✦WIEN has transitioned from qualitative advocacy to structured sector development since its inception in 2020.
- ✦The initiative addresses the significant gender gap in the Nigerian extractive sector, where women currently represent only 18% of the workforce.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Dr. Cecilia Umoren, Chair of the WIEN Board of Trustees, emphasizes that diversity must be supported by evidence and measurable outcomes.•Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, President of WIEN, highlights the DEI Benchmark as a strategic tool for tracking institutional progress.•Platinum sponsors include Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, FIRST E&P, and Sahara Group.
Outlook & Next Steps
The network is currently accepting corporate and individual reservations for the gala via their online portal, with plans to use the event as a platform for future industry collaboration and policy influence.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) is launching a new DEI Benchmark developed with KPMG to provide measurable data on female participation in the Nigerian 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 organization's advocacy.
- Major industry players including Waltersmith, FIRST E&P, Sahara Group, and SNEPCO are supporting the event as part of a broader coalition to improve gender diversity in energy leadership.
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 gender diversity status, identify gaps, and track progress in female representation.
What does current data suggest about women in the Nigerian energy sector?
According to NEITI data, women make up only about 18% of Nigeria’s extractive sector workforce, with even lower representation in technical and STEM-related roles.