Reaching New Heights
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) hires its first female line workers, increasing women’s role in Nigeria’s traditionally male-dominated energy sector. Read the story
You are viewing:
Information released online before January, 2021.
Note: Content in this archive site is NOT UPDATED, and external links may not function. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.
You are entering the 2017-2020 Archive for the
United States Agency for International Development web site.
If you are looking for current information, visit www.usaid.gov.
EKEDC is one of 11 Nigerian electricity distribution companies privatized in 2013, and serves 494,000 customers. In 2018, women made up 20 percent of the company’s workforce. USAID is proud to work with EKEDC in their commitment to improve gender equality in the energy sector as part of their path to long-term success.
Nigeria is the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, but limitations in the power sector constrain growth. Currently Nigeria has the potential to generate 12,522 megawatts (MW) of electric power from existing plants, but most days is only able to generate around 4,000 MW, which is insufficient. In 2017, only 54 percent of the population had access to electricity.
Nigeria has a national gender policy that focuses on the empowerment of women and advocates against any form of discrimination against women. However in daily life women still experience significant gender gaps. Women make up 45 percent of the total labor force in Nigeria, however, Most Nigerian women work in services and only 13 percent of working women are wage and salaried workers compared to 23 percent of men. Moreover, Nigeria’s gender pay gap is one of the highest in the world: On average a man earns 54 percent more than a woman.
USAID is partnering with EKEDC through the Engendering Utilities program to assist in the development and implementation of their tailored action plan to incorporate gender equity into their business practices. The action plan included targeted interventions, such as the institution of gender-equitable job candidate attraction and selection processes, competency-based hiring processes to reduce gender bias, and the institution of gender-equitable employee development and succession planning. EKEDC’s HR specialists also took part in Engendering Utilities’ customized Gender Equity Executive Leadership program, in partnership with Georgetown University. This partnership has resulted in significant and substantial progress toward a gender-equitable future for the company.
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) hires its first female line workers, increasing women’s role in Nigeria’s traditionally male-dominated energy sector. Read the story
A research program funded by the UK's DFID profiles three of USAID’s Engendering Utilities partners and their success in improving gender equality in the workplace. Read the profiles
Supported thorugh USAID’s Engendering Utilities program, this event opened new career prospects in the energy sector for Nigerian girls. Read the story
Comment
Make a general inquiry or suggest an improvement.