Kazakhstan Empowers Women in Renewable Energy with New Network

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Qazaq Green Association established the Women for Just Transition Network on October 17 in Astana, Kazakhstan, in a significant development aimed at promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Kazakhstan's renewable energy sector.

The network's major purpose is to empower women in the renewable energy business by giving them a stronger voice in decision-making and encouraging political and economic engagement.

Women currently make up 30% of the workforce in Kazakhstan's renewable energy industry, outnumbering the coal (22%) and oil and gas (18%) industries.

However, the current UNDP research indicated that gender discrepancies continue, with many women working in lower-skilled jobs, notably in the energy industry.

Sukhrob Khojimatov, UNDP's Deputy Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for the Women for Just Transition network, emphasizing that gender equality is not only a matter of justice, but is also critical for Kazakhstan's progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

While Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in implementing gender-inclusive energy solutions, the nation is still in the early stages of its road toward gender equality. According to experts, the Concept of Family and Gender Policy will be critical in guaranteeing gender-oriented state engagement in a variety of sectors, including energy.

Globally, the renewable energy business is expanding fast, and millions of jobs are likely to be created in the next years. The UNDP's Gender Equality Strategy for 2022-2025 focuses on accelerating the world's energy transformation through a "gender-responsive green transition" and leveraging the strength of women. The formation of the network is a big step forward in this regard, with the goal of addressing gender disparities and empowering women in the renewable energy sector.