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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