Forum launches to boost women's role in West African energy sector

The energy sector in West Africa is set for a significant transformation with the launch of the Forum for Women in Energy in West Africa (ForWE). This initiative, driven by the West African Power Pool (WAPP) in collaboration with the World Bank and GIZ, aims to enhance women's involvement in an industry predominantly led by men.

ForWE serves as a platform for exchange, training, and networking. It offers women professionals, students, and entrepreneurs opportunities to overcome barriers and gain access to decision-making roles. The forum's goal is to cultivate a new generation of female leaders within West Africa's energy industry.

The launch event at Azalaï Hotel in Abidjan introduced a program focused on four key areas: professional development through mentoring and workshops; promoting STEM education for young girls; supporting female entrepreneurship in renewable energy; and advocating gender equality among institutional and private stakeholders.

Participants will engage in plenary sessions, panel discussions with experts, interactive workshops, and immersive training on leadership and gender mainstreaming over several days.

Prominent figures addressed the opening ceremony. Abdoulaye DIA, Secretary General of WAPP; Kwawu GABA from the World Bank; Kirsten Hegener from GIZ Côte d’Ivoire; Fatimata Sow from ForWE; and Souleymane Soro COULIBALY representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Mines stressed government commitment to gender inclusion. Notable guests included Kristina M. Johnson, an engineer with leadership roles at Cisco, Dupont, Minerals Technologies, and Cube Hydro.

ForWE calls upon public institutions, private companies, professional associations, universities, and international organizations to support building a more inclusive energy sector. Registration is available via Forwe@ecowapp.org or through a QR code provided.

Abdoulaye DIA stated: "This Forum marks the beginning of a structuring movement that will strengthen the presence and influence of women in a key sector for the development of our region."

ForWE seeks to play a central role in shaping an inclusive energy future where women have significant participation.