February 15, 2025 - The Energy Sustainability Program (ESP) recently hosted the "ESP 2025 Expert Lectures" under the theme "Gender and Energy: Empowering Women through Energy Access." The event brought together experts and advocates to discuss the critical intersection of gender and energy, highlighting the challenges women face in the sector and the importance of gender-inclusive policies.
Bernadette Anne Buensuceso (Bea), Director of Outreach and Collaboration at Youth for Energy Southeast Asia (Y4E-SEA), served as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the necessity of policies that address affordability, decision-making power, and access to clean cooking solutions. She also introduced Y4E-SEA’s initiatives, which focus on increasing youth and women's involvement in energy discussions. These initiatives, such as the Energize SEA Action Plan for Sustainable Development Goal 7, have played a crucial role in advancing gender equality in energy access.
The discussion featured diverse perspectives on women's inclusion in energy policymaking. Some attendees stressed the importance of a bottom-up approach that integrates grassroots perspectives and highlighted energy sustainability challenges. An attendee shared her perspectives in Uganda, where electricity access remains scarce. She advocated for educating community leaders on sustainable practices to create long-term solutions.
Bea underscored the role of collaboration in driving meaningful change, pointing out that collective action and community engagement are vital for a just energy transition. She also shared insights on building a strong network for women in the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of defining clear objectives and fostering teamwork.
The event concluded with a call for stronger efforts to integrate women’s voices into energy policy development. Discussions reinforced the need for youth engagement, gender inclusivity, and cross-regional cooperation to advance sustainable energy solutions.
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