Women in Oil, Gas, and Energy Network of Namibia (WOGEN) Patron and Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Namibian Presidency, Kornelia Shilunga, says empowerment efforts must extend beyond women in formal and urban settings to include boys and underserved communities, particularly in rural areas.
Speaking at a WOGEN kickoff networking event in Windhoek, Shilunga said inclusive development is critical to ensuring long-term progress in the energy sector.
“When we uplift others, we uplift ourselves,” she said.
The event, sponsored by Northern Ocean, brought together more than 70 women from across Namibia’s energy industry, including professionals, students and business leaders.
WOGEN co-founder and chairperson Rachel Msiska said the organisation is focused on building a sustainable pipeline of women across the energy value chain, with mentorship forming a central pillar of its approach.
She said WOGEN aims to promote intergenerational knowledge-sharing and leadership development, while creating a platform for women to connect and collaborate.
The programme featured a panel discussion aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain”, focusing on preparing, pursuing and positioning for opportunities in the sector.
Panellists included PetroFund Chief Executive Nillian Mulemi, TotalEnergies Namibia Managing Director Mariam Kane-Garcia, SLB Country Manager Elsie Kambala, Corporate Banking Executive Connie Theyse, NAMCOR New Ventures Manager Saave Nakashole and Greenwood Supply Services Managing Partner Jamilla Jacobs.
The panel highlighted the importance of deliberate inclusion, collaboration and resilience, noting that expanding access and support structures remains key to broadening participation in Namibia’s energy sector.
WOGEN Vice Chairperson Sabrina Jacobs-Hailombe said the network will continue to advocate for increased visibility and participation of women in the industry.
The event concluded with a networking session, with participants emphasising the need for sustained collaboration to support women’s leadership in shaping Namibia’s energy future.
