Angola’s economy is projected to grow 3% in 2024, driven largely by activities across the oil and gas sector. With this growth, employment in the industry is expected to expand, highlighting growing opportunities for women either in or looking at getting involved in the Angolan oil and gas sector.
Energy Capital & Power spoke with Filipa Vilhena from Muhatu Energy Angola – a network of women in the oil industry established by Angola’s National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG) – about advancing opportunities, collaboration and equality for women in the country’s oil and gas industry.
What programs are offered by Muhatu Energy Angola to promote career opportunities and leadership development for women in the oil industry?
Muhatu Energy Angola aims to develop programs to provide networking opportunities and encourage the career and leadership development of women who already work or wish to work in the energy sector. In the spirit of equality, we aim to promote public awareness about understanding the added value of women on boards, encourage companies to rethink their business model and support women working in the energy sector.
Our mission is also to increase the visibility of women [in leadership] to inspire the younger generation and to give them good examples. By guiding and training young women, we would like to make it possible to improve their skills, to deal with, interact with and learn from wiser women in senior positions. By opening female perspectives and creating a valuable pool of female talent, we can contribute to the next generation of energy leaders. Our clear message to young women: energy is one of the most exciting sectors, let’s create our common future together!
What is the mission of Muhatu Energy Angola?
Muhatu was established in 2022 with the main goal to increase the presence of women leaders in the energy sector and allow women to reach decision-making positions and have visibility. We firmly believe that the unlimited power of women can inspire and provide a wealth of success for the industry, especially in today’s rapidly changing world of new energy.
Diversity on boards generates competitiveness and can contribute to improvements. A board must be innovative, which is the key to efficiency. The energy revolution cannot happen without women. This revolution has a huge impact on our entire future. It would be a big mistake not to use women’s power in this particular situation. The power of women can bring more efficiency, more competitiveness and more human sensitivity to our common business.
What specific challenges do women in the oil and gas sector face in Angola and how does Muhatu Energy Angola aim to address these challenges?
Muhatu aims to bring together female professionals from all segments of the energy industry because we believe in the power of a supportive community. Although evidence shows that companies that employ a higher percentage of women generally have a more positive work culture and greater profitability, the energy sector is still predominantly male-centric. There are fewer women in leadership roles because they don’t receive as much help and support as their male colleagues, and they are often overlooked for promotions. To ensure that women have equal opportunities when applying for roles or promotions, they need to be informed about career progression stages, opportunities available and should be able to seek help and guidance with career planning. Sponsorship and mentorship programs are also essential to help women receive support.
Addressing all the challenges requires a multifaceted approach that involves efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion, eliminate gender biases and discrimination, and challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes within the industry and society as a whole, and that is what we have been doing.
How does Muhatu Energy Angola collaborate with industry stakeholders and organizations to advance gender equality and inclusion in the Angolan oil and gas sector?
The governance of Muhatu Energy Angola is ensured by a management committee with rotation of mandates composed of 11 women who assume management positions in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the ANPG; the Association of Exploration and Production Companies of Angola; and the Association of Petroleum Service Companies, as well as the Angolan Indigenous Oil & Gas Service Companies Association. This means that we have the main stakeholders in Muhatu’s management, which facilitates communication, the identification of red flags, but also cooperation and interaction between those who can make a difference and reach decision-makers.
