As Africa strives to make energy poverty history by 2030, women's participation in the oil and gas sector is crucial for achieving energy access, decarbonization, affordability, independence, and security goals. However, despite representing 50% of the continent's population, females account for only between 18% and 31% of science researchers due to lower levels of women participating in STEM programs.
According to Foresight Africa, only between 3% and 7% of females who attend higher education go on to study STEM-related courses, resulting in underrepresentation of women, lack of innovation and creativity, and decreases in productivity across Africa's oil and gas sector.
“Africa has the potential to transform into a globally competitive economy while making energy poverty history by 2030. But this cannot be done without the participation and leadership of women,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President of the African Energy Chamber.
The African Energy Chamber is calling for African governments to strengthen policies that encourage and support the participation of women in STEM courses. This includes introducing educational programs, incentives, and scholarships that address gender stereotypes and portray girls and women in STEM.
Government-led institutions and programs, such as the National Institute of Petroleum of Angola and the Ghana Upstream Sector Internship program, need to prioritize increased women participation in the workforce and skills development mechanisms from grass root levels.
Furthermore, governments need to work together with the private sector to fund and develop education mechanisms aimed at increasing the number of women studying STEM subjects. Energy sector policies should push for the increased placement of women in technical and executive roles to encourage more women wanting to pursue careers in STEM.
The African Energy Chamber will continue to advance the participation of women in STEM programs through various platforms, including African Energy Week 2022, which will take place from 18 – 21 October 2022 in Cape Town.