Pakistani women are empowering their communities and contributing to the global change towards a greener, more equitable future by driving transformative change in the clean energy sector, breaking down societal barriers, and demonstrating leadership in sustainable solutions.
Transitioning the world to clean energy is not merely a technological shift but a societal transformation. Pakistan is a country that struggles with energy challenges and enduring a severe energy crisis, which includes issues like frequent power outages, reliance on imported fuels, and rapidly growing energy demand. Pakistan can address its energy needs by transitioning to renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. These sustainable energy sources offer a viable solution for long-term energy needs. To achieve clean energy targets, we must collaborate and think beyond traditional approaches and women are emerging as pivotal contributors in this effort. Pakistan as per its Nationally Determined Contribution and Alternate and Renewable Energy Policy aims to generate 60% of its energy from clean sources by 2030. In Pakistan, women are increasingly leading the clean energy sector, harnessing their expertise and innovative ideas to drive the shift toward renewable energy. Programs like the Asian Development Bank’s Access to Clean Energy Investment Initiative are playing a crucial role in expanding clean energy access across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. By supporting projects like micro-hydropower and solar plants, these efforts are not only fostering sustainable energy solutions but are also empowering women and girls, lighting the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Moreover, they are emerging as clean energy entrepreneurs. In start-up like EcoEnergy, women have taken the lead in marketing solar energy products in underserved areas. Women’s organic networks in their communities help close the trust gap, ensuring quicker adoption of new technologies. Some prominent environmentalists such as Meher Noshirwani are among the few examples of women who stand out in clean energy policy and advocacy.
Moreover, females like Ayla Majid, Founder, and CEO of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan, a leading energy transition strategists, decarbonisation investors, and M&A experts with an emerging market focus. She has over two decades of investments and financial advisory experience across sectors including large infrastructure, energy transition, and digital innovation. Initiatives like Renewable Energy Projects: A Rising Participation in Pakistan Women-led programs have introduced more efficient alternatives to kerosene lamps in rural areas by bringing solar-powered systems.
Research shows that women are actively involved in decision-making processes for micro-hydropower plants in projects such as the one implemented by the Agha Khan Rural Support Program. Women’s participation in clean energy initiatives is transforming lives at multiple levels. Households benefit from access to affordable, reliable energy, improving education and health outcomes. Moreover, the Solar Karachi Initiative is a platform that aims to empower female entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector by providing a supportive ecosystem, including training and networking opportunities, to increase women's representation in the industry.
Communities grow stronger as women’s economic roles expand, challenging traditional gender norms. In Tharparkar, one of Pakistan’s most impoverished regions, women-led solar energy programs have enhanced water access and agricultural productivity. These achievements ripple outward, contributing to national development goals and inspiring more women to join the movement. To maximise women’s contributions to Pakistan’s the clean energy sector, several steps must be prioritised. These include enhancing education and training to encourage more women in STEM fields, promoting leadership roles, developing microfinance and funding schemes specifically for women entrepreneurs in clean energy, raising awareness about women’s participation in energy sustainability, and implementing gender-sensitive policies at all levels of energy planning and project implementation.
Women scientists and engineers at universities and think tanks are researching cutting-edge renewable energy technologies. The Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI), led by Wajeeha Irfan from the British Council Pakistan, empowers young Pakistanis, especially women, to lead climate action through training, mentorship, and community projects. It fosters awareness, advocacy, and sustainable solutions, promoting gender equity and youth leadership for climate resilience in Pakistan. Moreover, women-led NGOs like LEAD Pakistan are leading the charge of awareness regarding sustainable practices and climate resilience.
Despite their contributions, women in Pakistan’s energy sector face several hurdles. These include cultural barriers, societal norms restricting mobility and professional participation, underrepresentation in STEM fields, financial constraints for entrepreneurs, and a lack of gender-sensitive policies in the energy sector. Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy interventions, education reforms, and community engagement. Recognising women’s potential, several initiatives have emerged to bridge the gender gap in Pakistan’s energy sector. Gender-inclusive policies by organisations like the Alternative Energy Development Board and the Ministry of Climate Change are being integrated into renewable energy strategies.
Vocational training centers are equipping women with technical skills in solar panel installation and maintenance, while public-private partnerships between NGOs and private companies create opportunities for women to enter clean energy markets as workers, leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Women’s role in Pakistan’s clean energy transition is vital and transformative. From rural engineers bringing light to their communities to leaders influencing national policies, women are at the forefront of this crucial shift. Involving more women in the clean energy sector can raise societal awareness about the benefits of renewable energy, as women often have a strong passion for health and environmental issues. Pakistan endorsed the COP28 Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership; the partnership's focus on data, finance, education, and capacity building is vital for strengthening women’s resilience and leadership in the transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable future. In this way, women can contribute to achieving significant policy changes and increase awareness of the potential of renewable energy in the fight against climate change and energy inequality. HH
The writer is a doctoral scholar and researcher in Finance at Curtin University, Australia, specialise in the fields of Sustainable Finance, Climate Finance, and Environmental Finance.
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