By Bimbola Oyesola
The past two weeks have seen the PENGASSAN Women Commission (PWC)’s vibrant activism in creating more awareness for women on the need to be active in trade unionism across the country.
This according to the commission was in alignment with the visionary leadership of Festus Osifo, the President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The PENGASSAN president has noted that PWC was established to amplify the visibility and active participation of women within the Oil and Gas sector. The Pioneer National Chairperson,
Mrs. Ada Mbanaso, along with the National Secretary of the commission, Chidinma Anyanwu, has embarked on a series of familiarization tours across the four zones of PENGASSAN.
The PWC leadership tour started with the Warri Zone on July 7th, followed by the Lagos Zone on July 10th, Port Harcourt Zone on July 12th, Kaduna
Zone on July 14th, 2023 and Abuja.
According to the leadership, the purpose of the Zonal tours was to advocate for the interests of female workers in Nigeria, encourage their pursuit of leadership roles, and address issues affecting women in the Workplace.
“It was a resounding call for women to actively engage in trade unionism,” the chairperson said.
During the tours, the National Chairperson of the PWC,
Mbanaso, received enthusiastic receptions from women in the oil and gas Industry, with vibrant displays of cultural diversity and uplifting solidarity speeches.
The National chairperson emphasized the significance of increased female participation in trade unionism as an opportunity to advance the concerns and aspirations of women in the workplace, including greater representation of women in leadership positions nationwide.
She stated, “I am therefore encouraging more women to fully embrace their role in unionism because, with more women in leadership positions, we can challenge biased regulatory frameworks and policies that affect women in the workplace.”
She explained that active participation in trade unionism holds immense potential for Nigerian female workers, aiming to provide equal opportunities for representation and active involvement in decision-making processes at all levels.
She added, “The tours were also aimed at fostering grassroots leadership by encouraging PENGASSAN women to enhance their engagement in union activities. Despite the male-dominated nature of the Oil and Gas sector.”
The women were urged to aspire for other leadership positions in PENGASSAN beyond the role of the PENGASSAN Women Commission’s Chairperson.
Mbanaso emphasized the essence of the tour during the town hall meetings and urged active participation in the discussions.
She encouraged attendees to challenge assumptions, push for change, and learn from one another.
The National Chairperson paid tribute to the women who paved the way for progress and urged continuous advocacy for more opportunities for women.
This is even as she expressed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support from the National leadership of PENGASSAN, reiterating the commitment of PENGASSAN
women to work together harmoniously and unitedly to achieve remarkable progress within the union.
She extended profound gratitude to the President of PENGASSAN, Festus Osifo, who also doubles as the President General of TUC Nigeria, for his exceptional dedication to gender parity. Mbanaso hailed him as the number one
“He-4-She” President, recognizing his instrumental role in providing PENGASSAN women with the support and opportunities they need to soar and succeed.
The tour might have ended on 14th July at Kaduna Zone, Mbanaso and her team said they aimed to continue familiarization with members, inspire them, and equip them with the tools necessary to pursue leadership positions.
The PENGASSAN Women Commission (PWC) was birthed through the commitment of delegates at the Special Delegate Conference in December 2022.
The Commission advocates
for women’s challenges in the workplace and provides support services that empower women to actively participate in unionism and ensure their voices are heard.
“The PENGASSAN Women
Commission (PWC) remains steadfast in unleashing the potential of women, shaping a better future, and fostering progress not just for women but for society as a whole,” the chairperson maintained.