Yemisi Izuora
Nigerian women are getting closer to having more opportunities to unleash their potentials as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa recently launched the “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria”.
The initiative aims to promote gender equality, clean energy solutions and align with Nigeria’s sustainability goals.
This initiative, launched on September 26, 2023, will provide around 500 women and youth with the skills and opportunities needed to secure better positions in Nigeria’s energy sector.
It is reported that women have been underrepresented in energy-related professions in Nigeria and their presence in leadership or decision-making roles remains limited. According to the Powering Jobs Census 2022, only 8 per cent of women are in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) positions, compared to 64 per cent in non-STEM roles in the Nigerian workforce.
The programme offers women and youth a range of blended learning opportunities and resources to excel in the competitive energy sector workforce. It includes professional and technical skills training in areas like solar installation, project management, and communications skills, as well as employability clinics, job fairs, job shadowing experiences, and mentorship programmes.
“Through the Energy Transition Plan, Nigeria seeks to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 and lift 100 million Nigerians out of energy poverty by substantially expanding clean energy generation. This transition is expected to create 420,000 jobs in the power sector alone by 2060, creating an opportunity for women to play a growing role in Nigeria’s traditionally male-dominated power sector,” noted USAID/Nigeria’s economic programme management specialist, Susan Oranye.
The Growing Green Jobs for Women initiative in Nigeria aims to position women and marginalised groups at the centre of Nigeria’s clean energy transition. It aims to improve access to financial resources and eliminate gender-related barriers, fostering a gender-inclusive culture within the energy sector.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to shift away from fossil fuels to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.