Project Experts
Rana El-Guindy Economics and Sustainable Finance Expert
Empowering Women in Energy: The Story of WEN-Africa
Creating Lasting Impacts
- Client
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Year
2023-2024
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Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Services
- Integration of Environmental, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Dimensions
- Capacity Building
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Countries
14 African Countries
Across Africa, women remain underrepresented in the energy sector, a sector traditionally dominated by men. Yet, gender equality is not just a moral imperative – it is an economic and social necessity. Recognizing this, the Women in Energy Network-Africa (WEN-Africa) was established to foster change by uniting public, private, and non-profit organizations to drive gender equality and women’s empowerment in the energy landscape.
This initiative, led by Econoler for the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), builds upon successful models like RENEW-MENA and WePOWER. WEN-Africa is not just a network; it is a movement toward a more inclusive, diverse, and empowered energy sector in Africa.
Mandate
Establish a network of public, private and non-profit organizations that promote gender equality and women empowerment in the energy sector.
Breaking Barriers in the Energy Sector
The journey to launch WEN-Africa required a strategic and holistic approach.
Key milestones included:
- Mapping the Landscape: Identifying key stakeholders across 14 African countries, including public institutions, private sector leaders, and non-profits committed to gender equality in energy.
- Developing a Roadmap: Creating a comprehensive guide for establishing and sustaining the network to ensure its longevity and the achievement of its intended impacts. Learn more about this roadmap here.
- Official Launch Event: Gathering thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to inaugurate WEN-Africa and set the stage for collaborative action.
- Capacity Building: Assessing training needs and delivering targeted programs, including a Training of Trainers (ToT) course in both English and French to equip professionals with the skills to integrate gender perspectives into energy initiatives.
Creating Lasting Impacts
WEN-Africa is more than just a professional network; it is a platform for advocacy, knowledge exchange, and capacity development.
By connecting institutions and individuals committed to gender equality, the network offers:
- A space to drive policy change and systematically embed gender mainstreaming in energy projects.
- Access to critical knowledge-sharing opportunities, ensuring professionals stay at the forefront of gender and energy nexus developments.
- Enhanced visibility and recognition for organizations championing gender equity in the energy sector.
Measuring Success and Learning from Feedback
Training programs conducted under WEN-Africa, to equip professionals with the skills to integrate gender perspectives into energy initiatives, have already yielded valuable insights.
Nearly 100% of participants in the English sessions found the training content relevant, particularly in areas like gender mainstreaming and analysis. The French training also generated high engagement, although responses varied regarding the complexity and applicability of certain modules.
These findings underscore the importance of tailoring training to diverse audiences while ensuring that all participants, regardless of language or background, acquire practical and actionable knowledge.
WEN-Africa In Action
What’s Next for WEN-Africa?
As our assignment is now completed, its legacy continues. The World Bank will oversee WEN-Africa’s ongoing activities to ensure that the momentum built through the network continues to inspire and drive real change across the continent.
The energy sector in Africa is evolving, and WEN-Africa is ensuring that women are not just part of the conversation – but leading it.
Are you passionate about gender equality in the energy sector? Stay connected with WEN-Africa and be part of this transformative journey.
This initiative was led by Africa Gender Energy Team (AGET) of the World Bank, Africa Energy Department, funded by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), and carried out by Econoler, builds on models like RENEW-MENA and WePOWER. WEN-Africa is not just a network; it is a movement toward a more inclusive, diverse, and empowered energy sector in Africa.
Together, we can power a more inclusive future.