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WOMEN IN ENERGY AWARDS
Winner, philanthropy category award
What are the key highlights of your
career?
Winning this award is one of them.
Secondly, quitting my pharmaceutical job
to get into the energy sector is one of the
best decisions of my life.
Do you think women are getting equal
opportunities in the energy sector as
their male counterparts?
No. Our cultures have put women in a
position where they have to work twice
as hard to prove that they can perform so
as to be given opportunities. Women also
lack exposure and information.
Any obstacles you have encountered so
far in your journey?
Yes. There are times that I have been
undermined as I install solar panels.
Capacity building and lack of access to
finances as a business lady has been an
obstacle too. Lastly, I do a lot of mentorship
but I do not have anyone mentoring me to
grow.
Any plans to push forward the gender
issue in the energy sector after this
win?
The win validates my efforts and has
encouraged me to come up with a new
strategy. I plan to train and urge the
trainees to train others so the network
grows, creating a bigger impact.
What is your advice to young men and
women who wish to pursue energy as a
career?
They should be open-minded and creative.
Do not be afraid to take risks. Look at the
gaps in the system and think of a solution.
Young people should develop a culture of
walking around with a pen and notebook
to put down ideas and follow them up.
Strive to influence policies too; you are
never too young to make a change.
What was your take about the first ever
woman in energy forum?
This forum came at the best time when
women are being included in everything
and the world is trying to accomplish
Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender
equality. I believe this forum is going to
make a lasting impact and awareness, this
is how empowerment begins.
Do you have any plans to defend your
title again?
Yes, I must defend my award and also
target other categories. Actually I do have
a strategy and I have a target of at least
training 25 women per month.I am also
planning to scale up by diversifying into
other counties and reach out to more
women to create a lasting impact
‘‘
Our Cultures
have put
women where
they have to
work twice as
hard to prove
that they can
perform so as
to be given
opportunities
‘‘
things, but the various lives that I touch
and impact.
WATTS UP MAGAZINE APR - MAY 2017
41