Bangladesh is making strides in transitioning towards clean and sustainable energy, with a focus beyond reducing carbon emissions. This shift also presents opportunities for job creation, economic advancement, and a more equitable society, with women positioned at the core of this transformation.
Women play a pivotal role in managing household energy consumption, making decisions on cooking fuels, electricity usage, and energy conservation. However, in the renewable energy sector, women are predominantly users rather than actively involved as designers, technologists, entrepreneurs, or decision-makers.
Statistics from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reveal that women make up only approximately 32 percent of the global renewable energy workforce, with even fewer in technical and leadership roles. Despite positive growth in the energy sector, Bangladesh lags in ensuring optimal female participation.
While renewable energy contributes around 5.4 percent to Bangladesh’s total electricity generation, significant progress has been made in solar energy. The installation of six million solar home systems has provided electricity to over 18 million people. Yet, the underutilization of women in this expanding industry represents a missed economic opportunity as the country strives to balance economic development with climate responsibilities.
Lessons from other countries highlight successful initiatives. In Nepal, government programs have empowered women entrepreneurs in solar and micro-hydro power. In India, women-led self-help groups manage solar pumps for irrigation, gaining income and respect. Germany’s Energiewende program has encouraged young women to pursue careers in renewable energy research and engineering, showcasing the impact of robust policies and investment in training.
To enhance women’s involvement in Bangladesh, capacity building is key. Encouraging more young women to pursue STEM disciplines through scholarships, internships, and university-industry partnerships can bridge the gap between education and employment. Additionally, technical institutions can offer courses in solar power installation, maintenance, and green entrepreneurship to build a skilled workforce in renewable energy.
At the community level, rural women need practical and accessible training that considers social realities like mobility constraints and caregiving duties. Policy reforms, including gender-responsive budgeting, support for businesses hiring women, and gender targets in the national energy strategy, are crucial. Collaboration among civil society, development partners, and the private sector is essential to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
Women-owned businesses can thrive in the renewable energy sector by providing, installing, and maintaining solar systems, biogas plants, and mini-grids. With microfinance and business acumen, these ventures can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and address climate change.
As Bangladesh aims to achieve sustainable development goals related to gender equality, clean energy, decent work, reduced inequalities, and climate action, it is evident that these objectives are interconnected. Empowering women across the renewable energy value chain not only accelerates the transition to clean energy but also advances towards a more inclusive and resilient future.
The renewable energy transition in Bangladesh is not just about technology; it is about empowering people, especially women. By equipping and supporting women in leadership roles within the renewable energy sector, Bangladesh can expedite its clean energy journey and foster a more equal society.
The transition to renewable energy is in progress, and it is crucial to ensure that women are actively leading this change, not merely observing from the sidelines.
