Stakeholders dialogue on widening gender inclusiveness in workplaces

Stakeholders have advocated for increased strategic support and awareness towards inclusive gender representation in workplaces, in order to  bridge the gap in women representation in management cadre in the society.

They particularly noted the need to continuously widen measures and efforts that fosters inclusive work environment that recognises the rights of everyone irrespective of gender.

The stakeholders made this call at the 2023 Maiden Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC,  Branch PENGASSAN Women Commission (PWC) conference, with the theme: “Entrenching Equitable Opportunities For Women Towards Inclusiveness, Innovation And Excellence”, held Thursday, in Abuja.

For Executive Director, ERSP NMDPRA, Prof. Zainab Gobir, “a woman who is working has responsibility in her work place and her home front as well as even the society expects her to do more, and no where is lacking. 

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“So, I believe that giving women more opportunities will give us a better place especially in the country. And my advise to women is that don’t give up, continue to strive for the better, support each other, learn, innovate, always lending a voice, and  for those of us in leadership continue to do well, so that we can pave the way for others.”

The National Chairperson, PENGASSAN PWC, Comrade Ada Mbanaso, said looking at the leadership space for women, the government has been trying, and the National Assembly had promised us a minimum of 30% inclusiveness, but we are yet to attain it. 

Also speaking, Mrs. Rukaiya, Special Adviser on NEC and Climate Change to the President, noted that diversity and inclusion helps as it  fosters inclusive work environment, which leads to improved values.

According to her, “People think differently, and the strength lies in the differences, not having everyone being the same. That’s how you breed innovations that bring solutions and excellence.”

On her part, Comrade Omobale Bello,  NUPRC Branch PWC Chairperson, expressed hope that the PWC conference will inspire women towards greater achievements in their chosen careers. 

In his goodwill message, NUPRC PENGASSAN Branch Chairman, Comrade Okey Anya, said the conference will help foster discussions even among the NUPRC management, so that more opportunities can be given to the women, to enable them occupy and aspire to  be at top positions.