The Business Advisory and Enterprise Development Department(BAED) in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Department of the Petroleum Commission organised the Women in Petroleum programme as part of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations.
The event recognised the contributions of women in the upstream petroleum sector while addressing key challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Anchored on the global theme “Accelerate Action”, this year’s programme adopted the theme “Breaking Barriers: Rising Above Systemic Challenges to Achieve Excellence for Women-Owned Businesses in the Upstream Petroleum Sector”, emphasising the urgency of tackling systemic barriers and fostering the success of women in the industry.
Delivering the welcome address, Head, BAED, Ms. Agatha Enos Armah welcomed participants and highlighted the significance of the gathering. She noted, “Today, we convene not only to commemorate International Women’s Day but also to celebrate the significant contributions of women in our industry. Together, we will address the challenges that persist in our sector and forge pathways to excellence for women and women-owned businesses in the upstream petroleum industry.” The workshop convened key stakeholders, including women entrepreneurs in the upstream sector, to explore actionable strategies and industry reforms aimed at enhancing female participation in the petroleum sector. In her opening address, the Ag. Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Ms. Emeafa Hardcastle, emphasized the need for urgent, measurable steps to promote gender inclusivity within the industry. “Women in the petroleum sector continue to demonstrate exceptional skills, resilience, and leadership. It is our collective responsibility to create pathways that enable them to maximize their potential and contribute meaningfully to the industry,” she stated. Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Naa Opoku Agyeman, Managing Director of Yinson Production West Africa Limited, highlighted the importance of acknowledging and rewarding the efforts of women in the sector. She reiterated that women seek not special treatment, but fair recognition and equal opportunities. Ms. Agyeman also indicated that despite progress, gender biases remain evident in recruitment processes, career advancement, programmes, and reintegration after career breaks. She called for intentional efforts to challenge these biases and foster a more equitable workplace. “It is time to move beyond discussions and take bold, decisive actions that will create lasting change in our industry,” she asserted. A panel discussion featuring accomplished women in the oil and gas industry delved into key topics, such as regulatory frameworks that support gender diversity, the significance of networking, and the role of mentorship in career advancement. The Panellists shared insights on overcoming workplace stereotypes and navigating industry challenges.
Head of Technology Transfer at the Petroleum Commission, Ms. Priscilla Antwi-Boasiako, closed the session with a call to action, urging continuous engagement, collaboration, and policy-driven solutions to ensure greater female representation in the petroleum sector.
The Women in Petroleum programme reaffirmed the Petroleum Commission’s dedication to advancing gender equity and creating an industry where women can thrive as leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
