Empowering Women at the Crossroads of Law and Energy: The Path to Inclusivity

In the engaging world of the legal profession and the exponential energy sector, the paths of two seemingly divergent spheres converge. The crux of this convergence is not just a mere intersection but a purposeful interconnection that has the potential to drive positive change through empowerment of women in these fields. In this Article, I share the remarkable journey of the Women in Energy and Extractives Network (WEEN), a nascent Company creating a platform which connects the women in the energy and extractives sector with a focus on their elevation, mentorship, and growth in the sector, at all levels.

Launched in an era where there is growing recognition of gender diversity and inclusivity, WEEN has emerged as a powerful force dedicated to fostering the role of women in the traditionally male-dominated energy and extractives sector. But the story does not end there, WEEN's influence extends far beyond energy and extractives as the sector is supported by other disciplines. For this reason, the exciting interconnections between WEEN and women in law are important to foster a healthy and supportive environment for women in the legal and energy sectors.

WEEN was launched in May this year as a dynamic and influential network with a vision to promote gender equity and diversity in the energy and extractives sector through empowering and supporting women to reach their full potential. Our mission is to establish a platform that supports gender integration in the operations of the energy and extractives sector.

Since its inception, the organization has grown rapidly, creating a thriving community of women and men who are passionate about making a difference through gender diversity. The network believes that gender diversity is not just a matter of equality but an essential ingredient for innovation, creativity, and progress.

Objectives of WEEN

The objectives of WEEN are centred around the women in energy and extractives sector and these include; (i)strengthening the networks of the women sector, (ii) elevation of the profiles of the women in the sector and to remove the barriers to women’s advancement in the energy and extractives sector, (iii) to enhance participation of women in the Sector through business structuring, access to finance, focused training, academic bursaries, conferences, capacity building and mentorship, (iv) to advocate for and strengthen the integration of gender aspects with a focus of women in the sector, and, (v) to encourage and foster female leadership in the Energy and Extractives Sector.

Through community outreach programs, workshops, mentorship programs, and insightful discussions, WEEN intends to create a nurturing space where women can flourish in their careers and businesses. We hope to impact countless lives through inspiring women to break free from traditional stereotypes, achieve remarkable success, take on leadership roles, influence policy change and drive positive transformation in energy and extractives sector.

At the heart of WEEN's inception journey is Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC), a committed and influential leader who has dedicated her career to driving change and breaking down barriers for women in the energy and extractives sector. Her commitment to gender diversity is not only a personal passion but also a professional responsibility.

WEEN continues to blaze new trails in the energy and extractives sector. The network has become a catalyst for change, empowering women to take their rightful place in the industry.

The initiatives

Recognizing these shared challenges, WEEN has become a center where women and men in the energy sector converge to share experiences, learn from one another, and empower each other. To this, we have collaborated with Banks and offered financial literacy sessions to WEEN members educating them about personal finances, budgeting, saving, investing, and planning.

Further, our mentorship programs have become bridges that connect experienced leaders with emerging female leaders in the energy sector, and vice versa. These relationships provide guidance, opportunities for career advancement and amplify knowledge of the sector to young women. We also focus on leadership advancement and our leadership development programs will empower women to assume leadership roles more effectively, preparing them to tackle the opportunities that lie ahead.

The Possibilities

The energy and extractives sector does not operate in isolation, like all sectors, it is powered by support from all professions, including lawyers. However, the unique connection between women in law and energy is that both groups have long faced gender-related challenges in their profession.

Issues like underrepresentation at leadership levels; the gender pay gap; systematic, conscious, and unconscious biases; gender-based discrimination; the lack of mentorship and the daunting task of the balancing act have been common issues.

The collaboration between WEEN and women in law will lead to powerful transformation in the sectors through, joint programs that connect seasoned women lawyers with emerging leaders and trends in energy and extractives, knowledge, and exposure of women to opportunities in both industries. By recognizing and leveraging on shared experiences, strengths, and aspirations of the women in energy and the women in law, exciting possibilities emerge.

The era of shifting

WEEN is proud to be a part of this transformation, advocating for change and empowerment, and working toward a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for women in the energy and extractives sector. By challenging stereotypes and increasing awareness of the importance of gender diversity in historically male-dominated industries, we are rewriting the narrative from one of exclusion to one of empowerment. We need to shift the narrative, and we need to shift it now.

Haawa Bukenya

Secretary General

Women in Energy and Extractives Network - WEEN.