OSCE-supported event fosters women’s inclusion in the Kyrgyz energy sector

A roundtable on empowering young women working in the energy sector in Central Asia, was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, jointly with the Kazakh-German University and the Kyrgyz State Technical University on 5 April in Bishkek.

Over thirty female students from the Kyrgyz State Technical University attended the event where they connected with female representatives from government, industry, academic community, civil society and other international organizations. They heard real-life experiences from those already working in the energy sector in Kyrgyzstan and discussed main challenges and opportunities for women in energy.

The participants recognized that career opportunities and educational pathways in the energy sector continue to be defined by gender-based stereotypes. However, during the discussions, they agreed on the new opportunities brought by the growing renewable sector to address gender inequality in the energy industry.

“Since gender imbalances in the workplace are largely an outcome of educational pathways that remain male-dominated, the OSCE is dedicated to supporting more young Central Asian women as they kick-start their careers in the energy sector, giving them the much needed network and practical insights to guide them on this career path”, said Giulia Manconi, Project Manager and Associate Energy Security Officer at the OSCE Secretariat.

Following the roundtable, the students took part in a field visit to the Chakan hydropower plant and Bishkek Thermal power plant, where for the first time they had the opportunity to see a renewable energy facility in action, and learn more about energy efficiency and sustainability measures that are being used in Kyrgyzstan. This was an invaluable experience for the students, as they were able to broaden their perspective and knowledge of the industry in its current form. They also could connect with peers with similar interests and potential employers and mentors.

Alexey Kobzev, Renewable Energy and Climate Change Projects Manager at Kazakh-German University, highlighted the importance of increasing the share of female students enrolled in renewable energy subjects in Central Asia. “For the first time, this year 70% of selected candidates from the graduate program for Central Asia on Strategic Management of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency were women,” he added.

The roundtable and field visits were organized in the framework of the OSCE Project on Promoting women’s economic participation in the energy sector for energy security and sustainability in Central Asia. This extra-budgetary project, financed by Germany and Italy, aims to empower Central Asian women as change agents in the energy transition and to support Central Asian governments and companies in integrating women’s needs and gender-equality targets in their energy policies.