IWD: Leading by Example, Championing Change for More Inclusive Energy Sector

Similolu Adeyinka

For us at FIRST E&P, FIRST is a way of life, not just in pioneering energy solutions but in fostering diversity and inclusion at every level of our organisation.

Women in STEM fields are pivotal to innovation, yet they face underrepresentation globally. While women make up nearly half of the workforce, globally, they hold only about 28% of science and engineering jobs. Within the oil and gas sector specifically, women constitute about 22% of the workforce, a figure that drops to 18% within Nigeria’s industry landscape, according to The World Resources Institute.

The gender imbalance is even more pronounced in technical and leadership roles, where women globally hold less than 17% of executive positions in the oil and gas sector, and a mere 1% ascend to CEO roles, as reported by S&P Global. This disparity not only highlights the barriers women face in climbing the corporate ladder but also underscores the industry’s need to evolve, embracing diversity as a cornerstone for innovation and progress.

This stark underrepresentation is not merely a statistic; it represents a reservoir of untapped potential that FIRST E&P is committed to unlocking. In the energy sector, a domain traditionally dominated by men, FIRST E&P is committed to breaking barriers and setting benchmarks. We recognise the immense value that women bring to the table – their perspectives, expertise, and leadership – are integral to our success.

According to McKinsey & Company, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than those in the fourth quartile. This data underscores the undeniable link between gender diversity and business success, spotlighting the imperative need to foster an inclusive culture.

This is a sentiment shared by FIRST E&P’s leadership team. According to our CEO and MD, Mr. Adeyemi-Bero, “Empowerment is not just about giving people the tools to succeed; it’s about creating an environment where those tools can be effectively utilised. It is equally crucial to recognise the value that a diverse workforce brings to our organisation. Our success is contingent upon the amalgamation of different perspectives, experiences, and ideas. Diversity is not just an ethical imperative but a fundamental requirement for success.”

At FIRST E&P, we’re not just talking about change; we’re enacting it. We are focused in fostering the growth of female talent through dedicated leadership development initiatives and are committed to empowering women across all tiers of our organisation.

On this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our dedication to championing women’s voices in the workplace and beyond. Our celebration today is more than an acknowledgment; it’s a call to action. Throughout the week we will be celebrating all of our female professionals, engineers, and leaders who contribute daily to our mission, inspiring the next generation of women in energy, while also recognising the work that lies ahead.

Together, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse world where every achievement is celebrated, and every individual is empowered to excel. At FIRST E&P, we don’t just aspire to be FIRST; we are committed to ensuring that every FIRST is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable future. #InternationalWomensDay #InspireInclusion #WomenInSTEM #Leadership #EnergySector.

.Similolu Adeyinka is the DGM Corporate Services at FIRST E&P