A program called “The Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” has been developed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa to advance gender equality and clean energy technology.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Abuja, the project would give 500 women and young people the knowledge and chances they need to land better positions in Nigeria’s energy sector.
It says women are still underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions in Nigeria’s energy-related professions.
The statement explains that the Powering Jobs Census 2022 showed a striking difference in the representation of women in STEM fields, with STEM positions accounting for 8% of all STEM positions while accounting for 64% of all STEM positions in the Nigerian workforce.
By significantly increasing the production of clean energy, Nigeria hopes to reach net zero emissions by 2060 and help 100 million Nigerians escape energy poverty.
The transformation is anticipated to generate 420,000 employment in the electricity industry alone by 2060, giving women the chance to play an increasingly important part in Nigeria’s historically male-dominated power sector.
In order to lessen the negative effects of climate change, the program is focused on fostering a culture of gender inclusion in the energy industry and speeding Nigeria’s transition away from fossil fuels.
Writing by Hamza Alkali; Editing by Jennifer ogor and Daniel Adejo