Nepal Infrastructure 
KATHMANDU: In an effort to develop next-generation women leaders in the energy sector USAID Urja Nepal, an energy development program, launched the Program for the Development of Leadership and Management Skills for Women in the Energy Sector. This program will complement Nepal’s efforts to increase the participation of women in traditionally male-dominated professions, particularly in the hydropower sector.
A press release issued by the Urja Nepal states the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Nepal’s electricity sector counterparts co-designed this program to provide insights into the challenges women are facing every day.
“This understanding will identify the needed training and capacity building to close current technical gaps and improve leadership skills. During the nine-month program, the sessions will provide technical training in subjects relevant to Nepal’s energy sector, as well as leadership courses that focus on highlighting leadership skills and career advancement,” says the press release.
Interacting with the participants, Minister Pampha Bhusal of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation said the program is in line with the Government of Nepal’s strong emphasis to increase the involvement of women and minorities in decision-making roles in every sector. “I understand that women and minorities are underrepresented in Nepal’s energy sector and believe that the program launched by USAID Urja Nepal will be a stepping stone to make this sector inclusive,” said Bhusal.
USAID/Nepal Mission Director Sepideh Keyvanshad summed up the launch when she stated, “We are celebrating another milestone in how we are partnering with the Government of Nepal to move the energy sector forward here in Nepal by specifically targeting the future women leader in energy sector and helping them take their place in this dynamic sector.”
Purna Kumari Subedi of the Agriculture Cooperative and Natural Resources Committee of the Federal Parliament; and Energy Secretary Sushil Chandra Tiwari were also present on the occasion. The participation of this sector’s leaders demonstrates the Government of Nepal’s efforts to promote women’s leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields, the press release adds.
