The Energy Private Developers Association (EPD) has launched an energy female inclusion subsector, underscoring its commitment to gender equality in Rwanda's energy sector.

A survey conducted by EPD among 50 organizations spanning private, public, financial, educational institutions, and NGOs, of which findings were presented on February 9 revealed a strong dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering women across all levels of the industry.

Allen Munganyinka, the head of Energy Female Inclusion sub-sector sector under EPD, stated that 88% of survey participants recognized progress in gender inclusion within energy-related entities, while 12% acknowledged limited advancement. Gender biases and stereotypes were cited as the primary obstacles by 16 respondents.

Additionally, lack of confidence and mentorship opportunities were identified by 10 and six respondents respectively, along with concerns about education and experience. Allen Munganyinka emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges to enhance gender inclusion strategies within the energy sector.

Key initiatives such as mentorship, training and leadership programs and diverse recruitment practices were underscored as part of collective efforts to foster a more equitable environment.

EPD's new Energy Female Inclusion's sub-sector aim is to engage different stakeholders in activities that empower and inspire women and drive Innovation and sustainability within the energy sector "

EPD and its partners are dedicated to promoting gender equality and fostering inclusivity in Rwanda's energy sector through collaborative efforts. Enhancing capacity building and raising awareness can further empower women and enhance their representation within their respective entities in the energy sector.

Recommendations

EPD recommended establishing mentorship and training initiatives to empower and develop female talent within the energy sector, creating leadership development programmes to encourage women's advancement to executive positions, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion at levels of decision making and planning.

The establishment of mentorship and training initiatives received the most recognition, underscoring the perceived importance in empowering and developing female talent within the energy sector.

"To prioritize gender equality in the energy sector, agility and innovation are crucial. Empowering women to actively contribute to energy product development fosters diversity and innovation. Career mobility is enhanced through initiatives supporting women's participation, including opportunities, training, and mentorship, cultivating experience and confidence.,” Allen Munganyinka said.

The EPD’s survey recommended partnering with University of Rwanda for paid internships for fresh graduates, continued support for gender equality in the business sector to foster inclusivity, career advancement, acknowledgment and encouragement for efforts promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, extending focus beyond the energy sector to encompass broader gender inclusivity, and collective commitment to supporting women in the energy sector value chain.

The suggestions also include promotion of mentorship and support for women in leadership roles within the energy sector, emphasis on inclusivity for effective team development, recognizing the role of gender equality in mitigating climate change, collaboration with technical training institutions for female inclusion in the energy sector, promotion of female participation in electrician and civil engineering professions as well as the establishment of a database for female professionals in the energy field, with outreach in schools for increased awareness and participation.

As noted, there is a need for recruitment practices that include implementing diverse recruitment strategies alongside gender-focused products and services as well as supporting women-owned businesses through business support and leadership development.

Allen Munganyinka said there have been different initiatives that empower and inspire Rwandan women to obtain positions of leadership and influence in the energy sector , including one called "PowerHer network” where this network has over 200 empowered women ( Members).

Serge Wilson Muhizi, the Chief Executive Officer of EPD, said that they plan to empower over 100 women who are university fresh graduates every year.

"The survey we conducted helps us to map actions we have to implement in order to promote female inclusion in the energy sector. We have to build capacity in terms of entrepreneurship, and help them tap into opportunities,” he said.

He reiterated that female inclusion is expected to help achieve 100 per cent access to electricity in the country.

EPD is committed to play a significant role to help achieve Rwanda's target of having 100 per cent electricity access by 2024, where 52 per cent will be on-grid and off-grid 48 per cent.

Damien Frame, the Global Renewable Centre (GRC) programme manager at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, said that EPD are the university’s key delivery partner in Rwanda, leading on a programme of engagement to gather perspectives on energy sector priorities and design and deliver appropriate knowledge exchange activities. The Centre is funded by the Scottish Government’s international development fund and aims to provide a hub for facilitating knowledge exchange between stakeholders in the Scottish renewables sector, and colleagues in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia.

"The scoping of the GRC project identified a set of technical learning themes. Cross-cutting themes across the whole programme are gender equality and climate justice, two areas of key policy focus for the Scottish Government. Initially, we will focus on gathering and sharing learning, before working with EPD to develop more targeted initiatives,” he said.

The launch of the energy female inclusion subsector, the survey report, and the outcomes of the discussions, are critical to the GRC going forward.

"The results of the survey and the perspectives and feedback gathered at the launch will hugely influence the design of our knowledge exchange activities.”

Zupp Cornelia, the Country Coordinator for Partner Africa or the Chamber of Skills Craft (CSC), a partner of EPD, said: "We partnered with EPD for a couple of years and we have done a lot of training in the renewable energy sector, and the energy sector in general.”

She said that stereotypes and lack of confidence still hinder some women’s performance in the energy sector, noting that women empowerment is highly needed in the energy sector.

"You have to do it by encouraging them, but also encouraging our families, our husbands, fathers, and brothers, to honour women,” she said.

"There is a need for equal participation in the energy sector and particularly the technical sector,” Cornelia said, calling for policies that are friendly to women in the energy sector.

"It's a matter of policies. How are those policies implemented? We need an action plan, and clear activities need to be defined. Governments have to think of tailor-made solutions in the interest of female women.”