Empowering Diversity And Inclusion: Women’s Impact In Africa’s Energy Sector

In recent years, spotlight on women who have become an influential force in Africa’s Energy Sector, has increased and spearheading diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

LEAN IN Equity & Sustainability, a non-profit organization operating under the LeanIn.org umbrella, plays a key role in empowering women in this industry. With a strong presence of over 4500 members across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, the organization focuses on boosting the visibility of women, promoting diversity, and encouraging more women to explore opportunities in the energy sector.

Promoting Inspiring Role Models:

LEAN IN Equity & Sustainability circles, spanning various regions in Africa, actively highlight accomplished women in the energy sector. By sharing inspiring stories, achievements, and career paths, these circles motivate and empower women, especially through engaging STEM workshops in educational institutions.

A guiding principle embraced by the organization is “We can achieve what we can envision,” emphasizing the importance of visible role models for aspiring young women.

Nurturing Professional Networks and Skills:

Networking lies at the core of the organization’s efforts, facilitating connections between women in the energy sector and experienced professionals. By offering webinars and in-person leadership sessions, LEAN IN encourages women to enhance essential skills, advance their careers, and embrace leadership roles. These nurturing environments outside the workplace create safe spaces for discussing critical aspects of their professional journeys.

Advocating Gender Diversity in Industry Events:

Through strategic partnerships, LEAN IN actively encourages African women to take part in prominent industry events and conferences as speakers, panelists, and moderators. The organization’s aim is to amplify women’s voices and empower them to lead within the energy sector, fostering a diverse representation in these forums.

Inspiring Young Minds through Community Engagement:

Promoting gender equity starts at the grassroots level. LEAN IN collaborates with educational institutions and local organizations to break gender stereotypes and inspire young girls to explore opportunities in STEM fields. By expanding their visibility efforts, the organization encourages inclusivity in career choices.

Amplifying Impact through Online Presence:

To extend their influence and inspire a broader audience, LEAN IN maintains an active online presence on major social media platforms. By showcasing the remarkable contributions of women in the energy sector and sharing success stories, the organization fosters engagement and drives positive change.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs:

LEAN IN plays a pivotal role in supporting women entrepreneurs, particularly in Clean Cooking and Solar Energy industries. By facilitating connections with potential investors, business partners, suppliers, and customers, the organization builds a robust support system to address challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Embracing Technology for Collaborative Growth:

LEAN IN circles leverage modern communication tools, such as “WhatsApp groups,”Facebook and LinkedIn to promote seamless communication among members. This enables the sharing of job opportunities, grant information, and personalized support, fostering a sense of unity across geographical boundaries. Our aim is to democratize access to information and opportunities across the sector.

With an unwavering commitment to empowering women, LEAN IN Equity & Sustainability drives progress in Africa’s Energy Sector. Through networking, mentoring, community engagement, and a strong online presence, the organization breaks barriers and champions an inclusive and diverse workforce. By elevating women in the energy sector and encouraging their pursuit of rewarding careers, LEAN IN creates a positive impact and a promising future for Africa’s energy industry.

Writer’s Bio:

Nadia Lalout-Landemaine is the Deputy Co-Chair and Board Member of LEAN IN Equity and Sustainability, a non-profit organisation supporting women to achieve their ambitions and help companies build inclusive workplaces where women of all identities are supported and empowered. In the past 20 years working in the global energy sector, mainly in Africa, she has encountered many remarkable men and more specifically women who are shaping the continent of today.