The 2024 edition of Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME) Awards has enhanced the call for women inclusion in maritime and energy sectors, even as it availed a platform where leading industry amazons shared their inspirations and commitments.
Leading women in both sectors drove this gender parity initiative at the 3rd edition of WIME Awards, which held at Civic Center, in Lagos, on Friday.
It was an evening of glitz and glamour as several women earlier identified and nominated in Maritime and Energy sectors were decorated and appreciated for their various contributions in advancing the course of the sector, even as other speakers inspired more women to attain greatness in maritime and energy sectors at the event.
In her keynote address, the CEO Adelaar Energy and Board member Africa Energy Chamber, Mrs. Grace Orife encouraged women to show competence, capacity and resilience in being the best at their positions.
She recalled how she was identified by a woman who supported her and called on women to support and build other women, meanwhile, she opined that the he-for-shes are equally important as “when you show capacity, men will not hesitate to recommend or refer you for the role”.
During the fireside chat tagged: “Inspire Inclusion,: Investing in Women and Accelerating Progress,” four women from both sectors explored issues pertaining to gender equality and inclusion ranging from cultural, family barriers to political and religious inhibitions.
The interactive session also gave an opportunity for the participants to draw lessons from the discussants personal experiences.
Earlier, the Board Chairperson, WIME Awards, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, joined the global call for qualified women to be given more recognition and included in management positions in line with the 2024 theme for the International Women’s Day tagged ‘Inspire Inclusion’.
The Board Chairperson emphasized that this year’s theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ is at the core of WIME Awards encouraging upcoming leaders through projecting leading sectoral women who have become a compass for others.
Her words: “This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality snd calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected”.
According to her, Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone in the sector to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women over the years and find ways of balancing the workforce to accelerate progress.
The Trailblazer in Maritime Excellence Award, went to Mrs. Monica Mbanefo, former Director of the International Maritime Organization’s Technical Co-operation Division who was recognized as a role model for other women in the industry.
Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes- Vivour SAN was the recipient of Outstanding Woman in Maritime (Arbitration) Award for leadership and advancement in Maritime Law & Arbitration in the Maritime industry.
Mrs Olufunmilayo Bolanle Olotu – the former Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex Apapa received the outstanding Woman in Maritime (Port Operations) Award.
For being an inspiration to women in Transportation & Logistics in Maritime, Bassey Adie – CEO, Loyz Marine Services Limited received the Outstanding Woman in Maritime (Transport & Logistics).
As a woman who has greatly mentored and inspired other women, Folake Soetan, CEO, Ikeja Electric received Outstanding Woman in Energy (Power Generation) for displaying leadership, innovation, impact and notable achievements in the Power Generation and Electricity value chain of the Energy industry.
Halima Dokpesi, Gas Commercial Manager, ND Western was decorated with Rising Woman in Energy Award, as a Young professional woman in the Energy industry working hard and displaying industry relevance through her work and achievements.
Some He-For-Shes Ambassadors received Excellence Award for supporting the women.
Meanwhile, few organizations who create policies, initiatives to support and push for women’s growth and inclusion were recognized for their impact under Diversity & Inclusion category.
Others were: Rising Woman in Maritime, Trailblazer in Energy, Excellence Award, Outstanding Woman in Energy (Upstream International), Outstanding Woman in Energy (Upstream Indigenous), Outstanding Woman in Energy (Downstream), Outstanding Woman in Energy (Gas).
In his closing remarks, the visioneer Osaze Isesele, posited that showcasing the achievement of leading women in Maritime and Energy through WIME platform is critical to having more inclusivity at each strata of decision-making within the sector.
He also reiterated that bringing together accomplished sectoral women provides networking opportunities and inspiration.
