The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has called for urgent action to empower women in the country’s mining sector, which remains heavily dominated by male professionals. During the sixth Nkechinyere Isigwe Annual Lecture held in Abuja, APWEN President Dr. Adebisi Osim stressed the critical importance of women’s participation in the extractive industries. Despite the considerable potential of this sector in Nigeria, women continue to encounter numerous challenges, ranging from gender stereotypes to limited access to training opportunities. Dr. Osim’s assertion underscores the pressing need to break through these barriers to enhance women’s engagement in mining and related fields.
During her address, Dr. Osim elaborated on the significant obstacles hindering women’s advancement in mining, notably entrenched gender biases and inadequate support systems. She articulated a commitment to dismantling these barriers, advocating for an environment where women can fully leverage their capabilities and thrive in this traditionally male-dominated arena. The theme of the lecture, “Can Women Thrive in Mining? Breaking Barriers and Seizing Opportunities in the Extractive Industries,” reflects a broader recognition of the need for a paradigm shift in how the industry engages with female professionals. By fostering an inclusive atmosphere, the potential for women’s contributions in the sector could be maximized, enhancing both innovative solutions and diversity.
The event featured a panel discussion focused on identifying actionable strategies to empower women in the mining sector. Dr. Osim emphasized collaboration among stakeholders to create an inclusive environment that elevates women engineers and professionals. This collaborative effort could lead to the development of comprehensive plans to support women’s roles in mining, opening avenues for participation beyond traditional roles. By examining successful models and strategic partnerships, the stakeholders aimed to create frameworks that empower women at all levels of the mining industry.
Margaret Oguntala, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, was represented at the event by Kashim Ali, who echoed Dr. Osim’s sentiments regarding engineering’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s development. He noted that no nation has achieved significant advancement without the influence of engineering sectors. The dialogue highlighted the necessity for a more integrated approach to mining that encourages not just financial participation, but also meaningful involvement from women across all phases of the mining process. Recognizing the untapped mineral resources of Nigeria, the discussants underscored the importance of fostering greater participation from female engineers within the industry to unlock potential and drive economic growth.
The discussions at the lecture highlighted the need for well-structured training and resource allocation to enrich women’s participation in mining endeavors. The consensus was that comprehensive training initiatives, combined with dedicated mentorship programs, are essential to equip women with the skills necessary for success in the sector. By providing resources that promote skill development and professional advancement, women could effectively challenge industry norms and take on leadership roles. This approach would not only benefit individual women but could also catalyze broader changes within the industry, ultimately contributing to more equitable practices.
In conclusion, the APWEN’s call to action is a vital step toward ensuring that women are given equitable opportunities in the mining sector. By advocating for actionable solutions and collaborative efforts to dismantle the barriers that hinder women’s participation, APWEN aims to transform the industry into a more inclusive environment. As discussions continue, the emphasis remains on promoting equality and empowering women to pursue careers in mining and engineering. With a collective commitment from all stakeholders, it is possible to create pathways that support women’s advancement, ensuring that gender is seen not as a limitation, but rather as a source of strength and diversity within Nigeria’s extractive industries.
