Speakers emphasized at a recent event the significant impact of climate change and energy poverty on women, highlighting their exclusion from policy decisions. They called for political parties to prioritize renewable energy and women’s involvement in their manifestos for a gender-focused energy transition. The discussions took place during a session titled “From Dialogue to Commitment: Holding Political Parties Accountable for a Gender-Responsive Energy Future” at the Just Energy Transition Conference 2026 in Dhaka.
The conference, themed “Voices for a Gender-Responsive Energy Future”, concentrated on the social aspects of energy transition such as equity, inclusion, and justice, in addition to technology and finance. The focus was on translating grassroots realities into policy and investment suggestions.
Sharif Jamil of Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra stressed the need for concrete political commitments in the energy transition to address Bangladesh’s climate vulnerabilities. Fahima Nasrin Munni of the BNP highlighted the limited participation of women in various sectors, particularly in the energy domain, urging for increased inclusion due to the changing climate scenario.
Navid Nowroz Shah from the National Citizen Party emphasized women’s security and rights, pledging to enhance women’s empowerment. Bonni Bepari, a candidate from the Jatiya Sangskritik Party, promoted biogas as a viable renewable energy solution and committed to advocating for gender-responsive energy issues.
Shaheen Anam, the Executive Director of MJF, moderated the session and expressed concern over the low number of female nominations in the upcoming election. She stressed the importance of making women’s role in renewable energy a national priority regardless of the governing party.
Other speakers at the event included Banasree Mitra Neogi, M Zakir Hossain Khan, Tanzina Dilshad, and Hasan Mehedi, who shared their perspectives on the topic.
