Schneider Electric's Commitment To Accelerating Women's Careers In Nigeria For IWD

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on Apr 30, 2025

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Investing in Women's Education and Development in Nigeria

Schneider Electric recognizes that education is the cornerstone of empowerment. We are deeply committed to investing in the future of Nigerian women by providing access to quality education and training in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This is vital for addressing the gender imbalance prevalent in these crucial sectors. Our efforts include:

• Scholarships and Grants: We partner with leading Nigerian universities and organizations to offer scholarships to exceptional female students pursuing STEM degrees. In 2022 alone, we awarded 50 scholarships, focusing on electrical engineering, computer science, and renewable energy technologies. These scholarships are designed not only to cover tuition but also provide mentorship and networking opportunities.

• Targeted Training Programs: We offer specialized training programs designed to equip women with in-demand technical skills and leadership capabilities. These programs cover areas like energy management, digital transformation, and sustainable energy solutions. Our recent program on solar panel installation and maintenance successfully trained 30 women, who are now contributing to the growth of Nigeria's renewable energy sector.

• Mentorship and Networking: We facilitate mentoring programs that connect experienced female professionals within Schneider Electric with aspiring female engineers and technologists. This valuable support network provides guidance, encouragement, and professional development opportunities.

Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusion within Schneider Electric Nigeria

Creating a truly inclusive and equitable workplace is paramount to Schneider Electric's values. We actively work to foster a supportive environment where every employee, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities for growth and advancement. Our initiatives include:

• Leadership Development Programs: We have implemented targeted leadership development programs to equip women with the skills and confidence to ascend to senior positions. Currently, 35% of our leadership positions in Nigeria are held by women, and we strive to increase this percentage annually.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: We offer flexible work arrangements to support our employees' work-life balance, recognizing that this is particularly crucial for women juggling professional and personal responsibilities.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Our internal women's ERG provides a platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy within the company. This group plays a vital role in shaping our diversity and inclusion policies.

• Unconscious Bias Training: We actively engage in unconscious bias training for all employees to address potential biases in recruitment, promotion, and performance evaluations.

Supporting Women-Owned Businesses and Entrepreneurship in Nigeria's Energy Sector

Empowering women-led businesses is integral to Schneider Electric's commitment to sustainable development in Nigeria. We recognize the significant potential of women entrepreneurs to drive innovation and growth in the energy sector. Our support is manifested through:

• Strategic Partnerships: We actively partner with women-owned businesses in our supply chain, prioritizing their participation in our procurement processes. This not only supports these businesses but also promotes sustainable sourcing practices.

• Mentorship and Business Development Support: We provide mentorship and business development support to women-owned businesses, helping them access resources, networks, and expertise to scale their operations. In 2023, we partnered with 10 women-led energy startups providing them with seed funding and business coaching.

• Networking Opportunities: We create networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs to connect with investors, potential clients, and other key stakeholders. This facilitates collaboration and market access, fostering growth and innovation.

Advocating for Policy Changes to Empower Women in Nigeria

Schneider Electric is deeply committed to advocating for policy changes that will further empower women in Nigeria. We believe that systemic change is essential to achieving true gender equality. Our efforts include:

• Engagement with Stakeholders: We actively engage with government officials, industry leaders, and NGOs to promote gender-sensitive policies that foster women's economic empowerment.

• Policy Recommendations: We actively provide recommendations to policymakers on strategies to improve access to education, finance, and mentorship opportunities for women in the energy and technology sectors.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: We participate in and support public awareness campaigns promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes.

Conclusion

Schneider Electric's commitment to accelerating women's careers in Nigeria is a multifaceted endeavor that extends beyond our own workforce. By investing in education, promoting inclusion, supporting women-owned businesses, and advocating for policy changes, we are contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for Nigerian women and the nation as a whole. The positive impact of these initiatives is undeniable, reflected in the success stories of numerous women who are now thriving in STEM fields and entrepreneurship thanks to our support. Learn more about Schneider Electric's commitment to accelerating women's careers in Nigeria and explore career opportunities with us. Together, we can empower women to shape a brighter future.