'Men should demystify complicated oil industry for women'

OIL & GAS

The oil and gas industry is very complicated for women. It is likely that many women in Uganda are likely to miss out on the jobs and local content opportunities that have started emerging from the industry.

A handful of females who are close to the industry have asked their male counterparts to attract more women into the industry in order for the country to grow and achieve the middle-income status for both gender groups.

During a debate on the topic 'Uganda's oil and gas outlook', it was pointed out that there were very few female participants in the audience. The meeting organized by the Embassy of Norway took place in Kampala.

Benita Bageira, managing director of Albertine Oil and Gas Services, asked that men should simplify the complicated oil and gas industry so that women can understand and join the lucrative business.

She said the oil industry is dominated by males.

"My advise to females is this: there are many male engineers dominating the oil and gas industry. Their way of thinking is different from others.

"My advise to men: they should employ communications people so that women and others can know the industry more," Bageira said.

She also urged Ugandan companies to take up opportunities especially joint ventures with foreign companies in the sector.

She said foreign companies are feared because they set high standards and demand many years of experience, adding that flexibility can be negotiated on some areas where the standards are unnecessarily too high.

Grace Labong Achire, a member of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association, petitioned that more efforts should made to include more women in the industry in Uganda.

Susan Eckey, Norway's ambassador to Uganda, said economic development should be built on systems and structures that ensures the equal participation of women in the work life at all levels.

"A key factor in Norway's economic development was the entry of women into the work force, doubling the productive capacity, doubling the creativity and innovation in business and the public sector. Women and men offer different perspectives which will enrich also the business community," said the envoy.

"In Uganda you have many high-profile female leaders in both the private and public sector, but I am sure there is room for more."