Seplat Energy has reinforced its leadership in advancing gender equity in STEM, taking center stage at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Women Leadership Lecture Series (SPEWLLS) 2025 with the theme “March Forward: Advancing Equity and Creating Opportunities in STEM and Beyond.”
Held on March 21, 2025, at the Capital Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event convened industry leaders, changemakers, and young professionals to champion greater female representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Seplat Energy’s Commitment to Bridging Gender Gaps
Delivering the keynote address, Eleanor Adarelegebe, Chief Financial Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, underscored the stark gender disparity in STEM, particularly within the oil and gas sector, where women constitute just 15% of junior-level positions, with even fewer advancing to leadership roles.
“At Seplat Energy, we are actively addressing these gaps through mentorship and sponsorship programmes designed to support women at the early to mid-career levels,” Adarelegebe stated. “By providing guidance to navigate cultural barriers, we create an enabling environment for female professionals to excel in STEM. Today, Seplat Energy proudly boasts five women on our 14-member board and four women in our 12-person senior management team. These numbers reflect the impact of our mentorship initiatives and the remarkable contributions of Seplat’s women in STEM.”
She emphasized the need for collective action, stressing that “Driving gender diversity in STEM requires the commitment of everyone, particularly leadership—both men and women— to foster a more inclusive and innovative industry.” 
Panel Session: Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunities
A dynamic panel session followed, featuring Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, alongside other industry leaders. Afe emphasized the need to encourage young girls to pursue STEM education and provide visible role models to inspire future generations.
“Innovation thrives in environments that embrace diverse perspectives,” Afe remarked. “To build a truly inclusive industry, we must start advocacy at the foundational level, encouraging young girls in basic education to explore STEM pathways.”
Addressing cultural barriers, Afe highlighted the importance of male allyship, noting, “Men currently occupy most leadership spaces that women aspire to enter. Their support is crucial in fostering inclusive workplaces. However, women must also develop the competence needed to break these barriers.”
She outlined Seplat Energy’s proactive approach to gender equity, emphasizing the company’s dedication to valuing diverse perspectives in decision-making. Notable initiatives include:
- The Seplat Women Awesome Network, a structured mentorship platform for female professionals.
- A 40% female participation target for university undergraduates with outstanding academic records.
- The Seplat Teachers’ Empowerment Programme, which has trained over 1,300 educators, with 60% of beneficiaries being women in Delta and Edo states.
She also celebrated a historic milestone—the appointment of Seplat’s first female Managing Director for its Eastern Asset, marking a significant step forward in the company’s gender inclusion efforts.
Seplat Energy: Driving the Future of Women in STEM
As the official sponsor of SPEWLLS 2025, Seplat Energy’s unwavering commitment to gender diversity received a standing ovation. The company remains at the forefront of fostering inclusion, driving innovation, and championing a more equitable future in STEM.
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