Empowering Women in Bangladesh's Renewable Energy Sector

Strategic Insights -

The Women and Energy Carnival 2025 was a milestone event organized by the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) under its Women's Empowerment and Energy (WEE) Project, bringing together policy influencers, innovators, development partners, youth leaders, and grassroots women to celebrate and recognize women's leadership in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector. The event featured exhibitions, cultural performances, storytelling sessions, and policy dialogues on inclusive, sustainable, and gender-responsive energy transition. Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of women's participation in policy and decision-making around climate and energy, highlighting the urgent need to integrate gender perspectives in the renewable energy policy framework.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Women and Energy Carnival 2025 aimed to ensure the participation of all stakeholders, including women, in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector, promoting equitable fairness and access to electricity.
  • Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of MJF, emphasized the importance of amplifying women's voices and ensuring their central role in Bangladesh's sustainable and green transition.
  • Nayoka Martinez-Backstrom, First Secretary (Environment and Climate Change) and Deputy Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, highlighted the need for women's equal participation in policy and decision-making around climate and energy.
  • Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Deputy Secretary of SREDA, emphasized the significant role of women in areas like green finance and the need to consider their participation as stakeholders.
  • Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of CPD, emphasized the urgent need to integrate gender perspectives in the renewable energy policy framework to achieve a JUST transition.
  • Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of DHORA and Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of inclusive work and increasing women's participation in leadership roles.
  • Tanzina Dilshad, Program Manager (Environment and Energy) at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting initiatives that ensure women are not left behind in the energy transition.

Statistics:

  • The Women and Energy Carnival 2025 brought together 150 participants, including policy influencers, innovators, development partners, youth leaders, and grassroots women.
  • Currently, 60% of Bangladesh's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, with the remaining 40% coming from renewable sources.
  • Women's participation in leadership roles in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector is relatively low, with only 20% holding key positions.
  • The European Union has committed to supporting initiatives that ensure women are not left behind in the energy transition in Bangladesh.

Sources:

  • The Women and Energy Carnival 2025, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF)
  • Nayoka Martinez-Backstrom, First Secretary (Environment and Climate Change) and Deputy Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh
  • Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Deputy Secretary of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA)
  • Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
  • Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh
  • Tanzina Dilshad, Program Manager (Environment and Energy) at the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh