Under the award winning ShePower programme, Vivo Energy Ghana, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana, has successfully hosted the maiden edition of the ShePower Summit 2025 in Accra.
The event, held under the theme “Fuelling Change: Redefining Possibilities for Women in STEM”, brought together employees of Vivo Energy Ghana, accomplished female professionals, aspiring young women, and other key stakeholders in academia and industry to champion female empowerment and inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated industries.
The Chief Human Resource Officer of Vivo Energy Group, Reinette Wessels, highlighted the various efforts by Vivo Energy to promote women in male-dominated industries and empower them through initiatives such as the LeadHERship programme. She commended Vivo Energy Ghana’s progress in women’s inclusivity, by stating: “At Vivo Energy, we take pride in the deliberate efforts to create opportunities for women to thrive in male-dominated sectors. Through initiatives like LeadHERship, and ShePower, among other mentorship programmes, and capacity-building workshops, we are making tangible progress in gender inclusivity. The growth of women’s participation in our workforce defines our commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive industry.”
She further emphasised the importance of empowering women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and leadership roles, stating: “We believe that diversity drives innovation and success. The ShePower Summit shows our dedication to breaking barriers and fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive professionally. We will continue to invest in programmes that support and elevate women in our industry.”
Following the remarks, accomplished speakers including Dr. Mrs. Ellen Hagan, CEO of L'aine Group and Co-Founder of Legacy Girls' College, and Rhoda Enchil, Education Officer for UNICEF Ghana, took the stage to inspire participants. They encouraged young women to challenge themselves, break barriers, and seize opportunities in STEM fields. Their messages emphasised the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and confidence in pursuing leadership roles. These speakers shared insights on leadership, career growth, and breaking barriers in STEM.
The addresses were then followed by an engaging panel discussion on the topic of Overcoming Self-Doubt: Embracing Your Expertise and Stepping into Leadership. The panel featured astute professionals who provided practical guidance on navigating STEM careers and leadership roles, offering young women actionable insights to overcome challenges. Additionally, the event created networking opportunities, allowing participants to engage with mentors, industry leaders, fostering strong professional connections for their career growth.
The 2025 ShePower Summit marks a significant contribution to driving gender inclusivity and empowering young women to pursue their dreams with confidence. Through the ShePower initiative, Vivo Energy Ghana continues to reaffirm its commitment to championing female empowerment and inclusivity in STEM and leadership roles.
Panel Discussion on the Topic, Overcoming Self-Doubt, Embracing Your Expertise and Stepping into Leadership.
Reinette Wessels, Chief HR Officer of Vivo Energy Group delivering a presentation at the ShePower Summit