In addition to Ana Dias Lourenço, also attended the event, sponsored by the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), the Minister of Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion, Ana Paula Sacramento Neto, the Minister of State for Social Action, Dalva Ringote, as well as representatives of the Association of Exploration and Production Companies of Angola (ACEPA), the Association of Autochthonous Companies for the Oil Industry of Angola (ASSEA) and the Association of Contracted Companies of the Oil Industry of Angola (AECIPA), among others, says a statement sent to VerAngola.
"The Muhatu network emerged with the need to balance gender opportunities in the sector, where preliminary data indicate that only 14 percent of women operate in the oil industry. Regarding entrepreneurship in the sector, there are only 5 percent of women with participation majority in its corporate structure and no more than 13 percent are owners", reads the statement, which adds that women "seek training and qualification that allows them to compete for more career opportunities, on an equal footing with their peers men, so that they too have access to more benefits".
Thus, Muhatu wants to reduce "this disparity by boosting and giving exposure to women who often have the training and capacity to rise to leadership levels in the sector, but who do not have the same opportunity as men", adds the note.
In this way, the mentoring program is designed to provide a wide "range of professional and personal development opportunities to women who intend to grow in the oil sector", as well as "promoting a culture of inclusion and engagement, fostering equality and equity in the work environment by promoting the sharing of experiences, the appreciation and recognition of women in the sector".
According to the statement, the platform is committed to offering training, as well as networking and mentoring opportunities that help women to establish connections "valuable in the sector and to have access to more resources that empower them and respond to their ambitions".
The said program will be given by "professionals of excellence in the sector", addressing matters such as leadership and networking.
"Although the sector is traditionally dominated by men, companies are increasingly recognizing the need to increase gender diversity in their teams", says the note.
According to the president of the MEA Management Committee, Natacha Massano, the program aims to "create an inclusive work environment" that allows everyone to reach their full potential.
"We believe that gender diversity is a competitive advantage, and we are committed to creating an inclusive work environment that values all people. We are investing in women's empowerment and are proud to announce our continued efforts to increase female representation in all areas of the sector," he said, quoted in the statement.
The official, adds the statement, also said that she believes that "diversity is fundamental for the success of companies and for the growth of the oil sector" in the country.
"We are committed to increasing the presence of women in our teams, from exploration to production and distribution of oil. We do this through a series of initiatives and programs that aim to encourage women to enter and advance their careers in the sector petroleum", she concluded.
