(WAM) — The UAE-Japan Friendship Committee for Women Career Development (FCW), which supports women’s empowerment in the oil and gas industry, held its fourteenth forum from 14th to 16th June 2022, in Al Ruwais.
Th forum was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
Held in person for the first time since the beginning of COVID-19, the event took place at the Yas Social Centre in Ruwais. It was attended by Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Nakai Tsiyoshi, CEO of the Japan Cooperation Centre, Petroleum (JCCP); Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO of ADNOC LNG and the Chairperson of ADNOC’s Gender Balance Committee; and Dr. Ghuwaya Al Neyadi, Deputy Chairperson of ADNOC’s Gender Balance Committee.
During the forum, participants from eight Japanese companies under the JCCP collaborated with employees from four ADNOC companies operating in Ruwais to develop practices that can empower women, enhance their visibility and participation, especially within the energy sector.
The delegates were briefed on ADNOC’s Gender Balance Committee strategy and its numerous achievements. The agenda included a workshop to exchange knowledge in three different areas: culture, business and gender balance practices. The participants also took part in a roundtable discussion addressing the topic of gender balance and sustainability.
The delegates toured Ruwais City, where several of the world’s largest processing and operational hubs are located, to view the fully equipped facilities, experience the community’s culture and learn about the new projects’ development.
Dr. Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima and her great happiness for the work of the UAE-Japan Friendship Committee for Women Career Development, despite the difficult circumstances imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
She also expressed her appreciation for ADNOC and the JCCP for their collaboration and support towards gender balance. She expressed pride in women’s progress in the energy sector and sees the passion they put into their work. Minister Al Shamsi added that she believes that with further initiation and progress, “we can do more for our country and the world”.
She also referred to the challenges facing women in the oil fields, calling for focusing on studying these challenges and working on finding appropriate solutions to achieve the desired goals and support the career of women in this vital sector. Al Shamsi stressed that this will be within the framework of the committee’s work in the coming years.
Tsuyoshi Nakai, CEO of JCCP, was delighted to be part of the forum and emphasised the importance of this cooperation between the two countries. He was impressed with ADNOC’s efforts and progress in developing women in the energy field and was inspired to take the ideas presented to him back to Japan.
At the conclusion of the forum, Al Nuaimi said, “Women play an important role in the energy transition, and it is important that we all remain positive and vigilant during this critical time for the industry.”
Participants from both nations expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima for her generous patronage, continuous support for women, and keenness to ensure constant development in working areas for female employees.
Source: Emirates News Agency-WAM