At a national conference, policymakers and experts urged stronger women’s leadership in energy governance to ensure Bangladesh’s just, inclusive and climate-resilient transition aligned with global goals and community needs nationwide.
Policymakers, political leaders, energy experts and civil society representatives on Sunday stressed the urgent need for stronger female participation in energy policy and governance to ensure a just, inclusive and climate-resilient energy transition in Bangladesh.
The national conference, titled Just Energy Transition 2026, was organised by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) at the Bangladesh Military Museum under the theme “Voices for a Gender-Responsive Energy Future.” Participants highlighted that women play a central role in household energy use and climate adaptation but remain underrepresented in decision-making and governance.
MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said, “We must design energy policies that include everyone. Without women, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities at the table, the transition will fail.” She added, “Energy solutions must improve lives, protect health and promote social justice.”
The first session, “Energy Policy and Governance through the Lens of Women’s Empowerment,” chaired by Banshree Mitra Niyogi of MJF, focused on inclusive governance. M Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive of Change Initiative, said, “We need to define Bangladesh’s energy demand clearly and prioritise clean cooking fuels. Women’s health depends on it and we cannot wait any longer.”
Tanzina Dilshad of the European Union Delegation urged, “We must open leadership and technical roles in the energy sector to women. Career breaks should not block their advancement. We need policies that remove barriers and empower women to lead.”
The second session, “Power Equality Business,” chaired by UN Women’s Dilruba Haider, highlighted renewable energy as a fast-track solution to the climate crisis. She said, “We must ensure women are at the centre of renewable energy projects. Men must support women’s empowerment to make the transition real and lasting.”
Frederika Norén of the Swedish Embassy said, “From skills development to financing, we need gender-sensitive solutions. Women must get easier access to investment and gender equality must be built into all funding mechanisms.”
In the third panel, political representatives stressed women’s inclusion in energy governance. BNP’s Fahima Nasrin Munni said, “Women are still sidelined in energy decisions. If we act now, we can change that imbalance and protect communities from climate risks.” Navid Nawroz Shah of the National Citizen Party added, “We will work to strengthen women’s safety, rights and leadership in energy policymaking.” Bohni Byapari of the Jatiya Party said, “We are committing to renewable energy projects that are gender-sensitive and environmentally responsible.”
Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of Dharti Rakhay Amra, said, “Talk is not enough. We must move to action. Political parties should include clear renewable energy and gender commitments in their election platforms.”
The conference brought together journalists, energy practitioners and civil society leaders, including Energy and Power editor Mollah Amjad Hossain, For the Light founder Navid Hasan and CLEAN CEO Hasan Mehdi.
Speakers concluded that ensuring women’s leadership and participation is critical for Bangladesh’s energy transition to be sustainable, climate-resilient and socially just and for aligning national efforts with global goals for inclusive, clean energy and climate mitigation.
