—Advocates enforcement of gender inclusive employment policies

— Women ‘re forces behind industry transformation— Maryann Mbanaso

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA — PRESIDENT of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, on Monday, noted with dismay that his members in the oil and gas industry are facing gender discrimination.

Comrade Osifo also said that many workplaces lack supportive policies for maternity leave, flexible work hours, or childcare services, making it challenging for women to balance their roles effectively.

This is as the national Chairperson of PENGASSAN Women Commission, PWAC, Comrade Engr. Maryann Ada Mbanaso, has said that women are the force behind the change being witnessed in the global redefinition of leadership and transformation of Industries.

Speaking at the second edition of the PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention in Abuja, with the theme: “Dynamic Women: She powers the future, driving industry transformation, innovation and leadership,” Comrade Osifo, who is also President of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, said the theme encapsulated the essence of what women represent in every facets of their lives.

While stressing that there are challenges facing working women in the oil and gas industry, he said: “Working women in PENGASSAN, like those in many sectors, face a range of challenges that can impact their careers and overall well-being.”

According to him, some of the challenges include gender discrimination.

He said: “Despite progress, women may still encounter biases and stereotypes that undermine their roles and contributions in the workplace, making it difficult to gain equal opportunities for promotion and advancement

“Many working women juggle professional responsibilities with household duties, caregiving roles, and personal commitments. This dual burden can lead to stress and burnout, impacting their performance and mental health.”

He also said that inadequate policies for parental leave and flexibility is another challenge that PENGASSAN women are facing and that many workplaces lack supportive policies for maternity leave, flexible work hours, or childcare services, making it challenging for women to balance their roles effectively.

On how to address the challenges, he advocated for the implementation of a multi-faceted approach that includes policy advocacy, support programs, and cultural shifts within the organization.

He called for an inclusive policies whereby

industry stakeholders would develop and enforce gender-inclusive employment policies that promote equality in hiring, pay, and advancement opportunities.

He also solicited for the “establishment of comprehensive maternity and parental leave policies, ensuring flexibility and adequate support for all working parents.”

Osifo said stakeholders in the sector should promote professional development that will offer workshops, training sessions, and seminars focused on leadership skills, negotiation techniques, and industry-specific knowledge to empower women in their careers.

They should also create supportive work environments, implement policies and practices that encourage work-life balance, such as flexible work hours, remote work options, and childcare support and also engage with businesses that have successfully implemented gender-inclusive practices to share best practices and strategies.

“By taking these actions, we can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by women in the industry, fostering an environment that supports their success and enhances overall organizational performance.

“Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to create a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable working environment for women,” he said.

In her welcome remark, the PWAC national chairperson, Dr. Maryann Ada Mbanaso, said women are not just witnesses to the global industry transformation and redefinition of leadership but a driving force to it.

“The world is changing. Energy is evolving. Industries are transforming and leadership is being redefined. But we are not just witnesses to this change, vwe are the force behind it,” she said.

Comrade Mbanaso said from the time she was a little girl, she dreamed of a future where women were not just included but leading, not just invited but building.

“I imagined a world where girls grow up knowing their place is not on the sidelines but at the fore forefront of transformation.

“That childhood vision has matured into the mission we celebrate today It’s not just about those of us seated here It’s about every girl who dares to dream of dTesigning machines, coding systems, building clean energy, or reshaping the world through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“This year, we go a step further We’re not only leading change We are preparing the next generation to surpass us We are building platforms for the girl-child in STEM equipping her with tools, mentorship, access, and confidence to rise beyond barriers

“Because when a girl sees herself as a lab coat, at the helm of a tech innovation, or leading a breakthrough in energy, she doesn’t just imagine the future, she becomes it.

“We gather here not just to reflect but to act Not just to celebrate but to shape Not just to speak but to power the future. We are no longer waiting for permission or space We are creating space We are claiming power We are redesigning the very tables where decisions me made,” Comrade Mbanaso said.

She said across the industry, women are making their mark “From the rigs to the boardrooms, from policymaking to innovation labs, from operations to strategy We are shifting paradigms with bold ideas, strategic thinking, and fearless leadership.”

The convention brought together dignitaries within the oil and gas sector.