KPMG Advisory Services has partnered with the Women in Energy Network (WIEN) to establish Nigeria's first industry benchmark and standards for measuring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the oil, gas, and power sectors. This move aims to accelerate women's participation in the energy industry. The partnership will promote evidence-based assessment of gender representation and strengthen accountability for inclusive workplace practices.
The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday, will develop a DEI Benchmark Report and introduce independent due diligence procedures for WIEN's industry awards. The report will provide a basis for periodic industry reporting, enabling stakeholders to assess gender representation, identify gaps, and determine areas requiring improvement. This will enhance the credibility of industry awards and expand women's access to leadership and business opportunities.
According to WIEN President, Mrs Eyono Fatai-Williams, the initiative will provide evidence to inform policy decisions, promote accountability, and track progress in advancing gender diversity and inclusion across the energy industry. The proposed benchmark will offer an evidence-based assessment of industry performance and highlight opportunities for organizations to strengthen their policies, governance structures, and workplace practices to promote inclusion.
The partnership will also establish directories of qualified female board candidates and women-owned businesses. The WIEN Board-Ready Candidates Directory will increase the visibility and accessibility of qualified women seeking board appointments, while the Business Owners Directory will assess eligible women-owned enterprises against agreed qualification criteria and relevant industry requirements.
KPMG will support due diligence and the vetting of nominees for the WIEN Industry Awards through relevant background, integrity, and reputational assessments. This process will strengthen the credibility of the awards by ensuring that the achievements, professional standing, and contributions of recognized individuals and organizations are properly assessed.
The broader objective of the partnership is to promote evidence-based decision-making, strengthen confidence in industry recognition, and expand women's participation in leadership and business development. The directories will help organizations identify qualified female professionals for board positions and capable women-owned businesses for partnerships and service provision across the industry.
The partnership between KPMG and WIEN marks a significant step towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in Nigeria's energy sector. By establishing a benchmark and standards for DEI, the partnership aims to create a more inclusive and equitable industry that provides opportunities for women to contribute to the sector's growth and development.
Key points
- The partnership will develop a DEI Benchmark Report to assess gender representation and track progress in advancing gender diversity and inclusion.
- The partnership will establish directories of qualified female board candidates and women-owned businesses to improve women's access to leadership positions and commercial opportunities.
- The partnership aims to promote evidence-based decision-making and strengthen confidence in industry recognition.
