The Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME) has said it is poised to contribute its quota to accelerating gender diversity, equality and inclusion.
This, it said would be achieved through the WIME Awards where the stories of amazing women doing great jobs in the industry are brought to the fore.
Chairperson of the WIME Awards, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, made the revelation while delivering her welcome address at the second edition of the Awards held over the weekend at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to her, it is believed that WIME in years to come would be Africa’s premier event to celebrate and recognise the sterling achievements of women across the Maritime and Energy business whilst creating a platform for knowledge sharing in accelerating women’s participation in both industries.
“Our story is simple. We are inspired by the commitment, dedication, brilliance, impact and the change that women have made and continue to make in the Maritime & Energy sector, hence the birth of the Women in Maritime and Energy Awards,” she stated.
Anyika who is a Deputy Director, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) noted that the Maritime and Energy sectors are very critical sectors that are important to the economic transformation and sustainable development as a nation in Nigeria and as a continent in Africa.
She further noted that women over the years have displayed a high level of professionalism, hard work, consistency, tenacity and innovation to bring value not just to their workplaces but to the industry and the world.
“Today, we are gathered here to encourage and celebrate these exceptional women and to also say to other women that IT IS POSSIBLE,” she said.
According to her, challenging gender stereotypes and biases at all levels is a business imperative.
“And through the Women in Maritime & Energy Awards by profiling and telling the stories of amazing women doing great work in the industry, we are poised to contribute our quota to accelerating gender diversity, equality and inclusion,” the deputy director stressed.