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The eighth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Women Network for Energy and Environment, Nepal (WONI) concluded successfully, featuring discussions on expanding women’s access to and leadership in the energy sector, policy reforms, and innovative ideas presented by engineering students.

Speaking at the event, Sangeeta Singh, Associate Professor at the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Pulchowk Campus, and President of WePower Nepal, praised the students for their innovative presentations. She said their enthusiasm and talent were highly impressive.

Singh stressed that talent has no gender, but opportunities often do. While female students consistently achieve excellent academic results, she noted that men continue to dominate practical opportunities and leadership positions. She emphasized the need for greater gender equality and awareness to bridge this gap.

Highlighting the work of WePower, a network of women professionals in South Asia’s energy sector, Singh said the organization focuses on building capacity from the grassroots level. She added that increasing women’s participation in STEM education, encouraging greater enrollment in engineering disciplines, and promoting Gender Action Plans and policy advocacy to bring more women into leadership roles are key priorities.

Ranju Pandey, Director at the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), also commended the students for their innovative ideas. She emphasized that women must have meaningful representation in energy-sector policymaking and decision-making bodies and expressed confidence that women will increasingly take on leadership roles in the sector in the years ahead.

Narayan Gyawali, President of the Community Electricity Consumers Federation, appreciated WONI’s efforts to promote women’s participation in the energy sector. He described the organization’s work in women’s empowerment as exemplary and called on the government to withdraw the electricity tax imposed on consumers and small industries to provide financial relief.

WONI outlines achievements, challenges, and future plans

WONI President Kala Timalsina presented a detailed report highlighting the organization’s establishment, activities, and the current challenges facing Nepal’s energy sector.

Founded in 2018, WONI primarily works toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on gender equality, affordable and clean energy, and climate action.

The organization has been implementing initiatives such as the “Didi Bahini Basic Electricity Education” program to raise awareness among rural women about the safe and efficient use of electricity, the Inclusive Green Future Campaign to encourage girls to pursue STEAM education, and vocational training in electrical appliance repair and wiring to promote women’s self-employment. WONI also collaborates with international organizations, including APWLD, WePower, GEF, and the Grassroots Justice Network.

According to Timalsina, major barriers facing women in the energy sector include social perceptions that women are unsuited for technical work, family-related constraints, limited access to investment, workplace safety concerns, and a lack of self-confidence among women themselves.

She said WONI remains committed to expanding public awareness, providing technical skills training, and continuing policy advocacy for gender equality, energy efficiency, and climate justice.

Students showcase innovative energy solutions

As part of the AGM, a presentation competition was organized for engineering students.

Seven teams from different engineering colleges presented innovative and practical ideas related to energy and the environment. The team from Khwopa College of Engineering won first place with the best overall presentation.

Urjasanchar