The project, “Empowering Central Asian Women in Renewable Energy” is designed to bridge the gender gap in the renewable energy sector and support women in Central Asia to become leaders in the energy transition. Run by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in partnership with GWNET, this programme strives to empower women to become agents of change in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Central Asia holds immense potential for renewable energy development, yet this potential remains largely untapped due to reliance on fossil fuels and ageing infrastructure. To achieve sustainable energy security, a shift to low-carbon energy systems is imperative.
A gender-inclusive approach is essential for ensuring the transition is equitable and maximises socio-economic benefits. This programme is designed to empower women to play a leading role in shaping the region’s energy future.
The project has launched two editions of a 12-month mentoring programme, which targets mid-career women professionals in advancing their leadership potential in the energy sector. The initiative is open to women with 2–8 years of experience in the energy sector, who are committed to promoting the energy transition in their country or region. Candidates must be nationals of one of the following nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
In each edition, the programme engages 30 women professionals from diverse backgrounds, including engineers, researchers, financiers, and entrepreneurs. These participants have contributed to areas such as energy efficiency, hydrogen development, waste-to-energy, and solar PV projects.
The mentees have benefited from a tailored online course covering female leadership, just energy transitions, and the importance of gender equality in renewable energy. The participants also have access to networking webinars with global experts and benefit from one-to-one mentoring sessions with a senior energy expert who can offer professional advice fitting with the mentee’s specific career goals.
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The project includes an exclusive study tour to Vienna for a select group of outstanding women from every cohort of GWNET-OSCE mentoring programme. Over five days, these participants engage in the annual Vienna Energy Security Dialogue to gain greater awareness of critical energy issues as well as network with key stakeholders. The tour also includes high-level meetings with experts and representatives from international organisations, such as the OSCE, as well as site visits to renewable energy facilities, where participants can have first-hand exposure to innovative solutions. In addition, the study tour provides a leadership workshop designed to strengthen their professional development and leadership capabilities.
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The OSCE and GWNET have jointly produced a study, Advancing a Just Energy Transition in Central Asia – Women’s Key Role in the Energy Sector. This study provides employment projections for women working in renewable energy in Central Asia. The research offers actionable recommendations to governments, businesses, and stakeholders for fostering gender equality in the energy sector. The study also calls for a skilled labour force that harnesses the potential of women’s leadership.
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As part of its commitment to fostering long-term impact, the programme introduced the Mentorship Mastery workshop, held in May in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This workshop brought together eight alumni of the 2022 mentoring programme for a unique opportunity to transition from mentees to mentors. During the session, participants reflected on their experiences of mentorship and developed the skills needed to guide the next cohort of mentees.
The event, which included a high-level meeting on creating a just and inclusive energy transition, reinforced the role of mentorship in building leadership capacity and fostering peer support. GWNET and the OSCE are proud of the alumni’s progress and are confident that they will be inspiring mentors for the next generation of women energy leaders in Central Asia.
About OSCE: The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.
Learn more: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | OSCE
