The Women in Oil, Gas, and Energy Network of Namibia (WOGEN) hosted its inaugural event, honouring women from the sector as part of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebrations, recognised annually on 8 March worldwide.
Themed ‘Count Her In – Celebrating Women in the Industry,’ the event aligned with the United Nations’ call to invest in women to accelerate progress and marked a significant milestone for WOGEN in championing gender diversity within Namibia’s critical energy sector.
The gathering aimed to inspire the inclusion of women in the energy sector and recognise the invaluable contributions of women in Namibia’s growing oil, gas, and energy sectors.
WOGEN’s event served as a testament to the importance of promoting gender diversity within the industry.
Rachel Msiska, WOGEN’s Founding Director and Chairperson, emphasised WOGEN’s commitment to inclusivity, acknowledging the significance of every woman’s contribution to the industry and society.
“The theme, ‘Count Her In – Celebrating Women in the Industry,’ resonated deeply with the women in the industry, spotlighting the capabilities, achievements, and potential of women in this traditionally male-dominated sector,” Msiska said.
She commended Namibia and the Namibian government for their evident inclusion of women in the sector, citing positions such as the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, the Petroleum Commissioner, the NAMCOR Upstream Exploration Executive, and the Chief Executive Officer of Petrofund, all being women.
The event also provided a networking opportunity to create meaningful connections and cement WOGEN’s commitment to stimulating an inclusive energy sector for women, advancing gender equality, and women empowerment.
Msiska outlined WOGEN’s vision for the future, stating, “WOGEN envisions a future where the voices of women echo through boardrooms, and leadership is diverse and reflective of our society.”
Established in 2023, WOGEN will embark on initiatives this year designed to foster growth, mentorship, and networking within the industry. From skills-building workshops to awareness programmes, WOGEN aims to empower each member to reach new heights in their careers.
