Promoting women's participation in Bangladesh's renewable energy policy can be a significant way to ensure gender equality, experts told a discussion on Wednesday. The event was organized to present the results of a research, titled "Renewable Energy and Gender Impact", at the ALOK auditorium of the MJF Tower. Inspira Advisory and Consulting Limited conducted this research jointly with Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).

During the presentation, Inspira Director Salman Rahman said: "Traditionally, women in this country are primarily involved in household cooking. However, their involvement in decision-making regarding renewable energy adoption is frequently limited due to societal norms and lack of access to finances. The absence of women's participation in government policies or initiatives related to clean cooking indicates an insufficient effort to ensure gender equality."

Due to inadequate knowledge, training, and skills, as well as gender bias, Salman said, women are not reaching decision-making positions in the renewable energy policy-making arena. “Even in government policies or plans related to renewable energy, the presence of women's participation is lacking. This indicates that enough effort is not being put into ensuring gender equality in the renewable energy sector," he added. In light of research, he said: "The National Renewable Energy Policy 2023 (draft) and Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan 2022 are still in the nascent stage.

“If women's participation is ensured in renewable energy, not only will it reduce health risks for them, but it will also save time in household chores, increase economic participation, and enhance the quality of life. Similarly, achieving the target of renewable energy for Bangladesh in 2040 will become easier." The chief guest of the program was lawmaker Waseqa Ayesha Khan, who is also the chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. She stated: “The demand for electricity in the country is increasing day by day. Even ten years ago, we couldn't imagine needing so much power. Now, even in rural areas, many are using appliances like ACs, rice cookers, etc.

“Several contracts have been signed for renewable energy, and there are about 33 under-construction power plants. We have solar, wind power, and even a hydropower plant. While our carbon emissions are low, we emphasize sustainable power generation to ensure the safety of our power sources.” She added that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is praised worldwide for women's political and economic empowerment. “Mentoring for women is necessary to encourage their interest in STEM education. Globally, only 32% of women are involved in the renewable energy sector. In our armed forces, 40% of positions are held by women. The participation of women in GDP has a significant positive impact.” The lawmaker hoped that the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan would create a significant number of jobs. In this regard, everyone must work together to ensure the participation of women.

“Each year, every ministry allocates budgets for the development of women, and their participation is increasing. More research and analysis are needed to figure out how women's participation and quality of life can be enhanced. The policymakers need to play a role in the development of women's quality of life.” Panel discussant Dr Khandaker Golam Moazzem, the director of the Center for Policy Dialogue, stated: “The use of biomass for energy has a significant transformative impact on both men and women. Additionally, the cost of biomass energy is increasing day by day while the availability of renewable energy is decreasing. As a result, it will be beneficial for everyone economically.”

Dr Moazzem also urged for the integration of the Renewable Energy Policy 2023 and the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan 2022 with the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan to achieve the target of acquiring renewable energy by 2041. Dr Tania Haque, the director of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Centre for Gender and Development Studies, believes that since decision-making positions are primarily held by men, it affects the entire sector. She emphasizes the importance of considering gender perspectives in policy formulation and notes that there are various categories of women, such as those with specific needs, wage earners, housewives, skilled professionals, etc.

Nahid Sharmin, a gender specialist at a2i, said: "If women have the financial capacity to participate in viable burning, they can take part in the decision-making process. At the same time, their skills should be enhanced so that they can be engaged in financial activities." At the end of the event, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said: "There is generally not much discussion about women's participation in renewable energy. “However, women are primarily involved in household energy management. Renewable energy is our future. We need to increase awareness in this field and embrace policies that prioritize women's participation.”

News Link: Experts bat for women empowerment in renewable energy sector