On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025, a unique campaign was organised in Chittagong, calling for women’s empowerment in the power and energy sector.
The initiative aimed to ensure women’s energy rights and recognize their crucial role as policymakers in the sector.
The event was jointly organized by ISDE (Institute for Social Development and Environment), CLEAN (Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network), and BWGED (Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development).
The primary objective of the campaign was to promote 100% renewable energy across the country and establish energy security for women. Participants emphasized the importance of expanding renewable energy while increasing women’s inclusion in the energy sector.
They stressed that to ensure sustainable development, women must have greater decision-making power within the sector, and fair access to energy should be guaranteed at all levels.
S. M. Nazer Hossain, Central Vice President and Executive Director of ISDE Bangladesh, remarked, “Women are the largest consumers of energy, as 46% of the total energy used in the country is for household purposes. However, with the rising electricity prices driven by imported fossil fuels, women bear the heaviest burden.”
Renowned women’s activist and CSDF Secretary General Jesmin Sultana Paru added, “Women are marginalized at every level in the energy sector—from planning and implementation to generation and distribution. With women owning only 2-4% of the land nationwide, energy project developers often exclude them, viewing them only as beneficiaries during the consultation process. Women are treated as a ‘sensitive issue’ rather than being recognized as active stakeholders and policymakers.”
CSDF Project Coordinator Shampa K. Nahar highlighted the severe challenges faced by women due to fossil fuel-based power plants. She said, “Unlike men, women cannot easily migrate when affected by power plant projects. The influx of outsiders in local areas creates obstacles for women in terms of mobility, personal health, sanitation, and fulfilling basic needs. In many cases, women are included only in the consultation process to meet the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements, but their voices are not genuinely considered.”
Women’s rights activist Jannatul Ferdus stated, “Project developers consistently ignore the special needs of women, particularly concerning reproductive health. Fossil fuel-based power plants, especially coal-fired plants, emit hazardous substances like mercury, lead, cadmium, sulfur, and chromium, which have devastating effects on women’s reproductive health. Despite being the primary victims of this pollution, women receive no compensation, as they do not own the land affected by these projects.”
The campaign activists called on the government to implement measures to facilitate the easy installation of solar home systems for women. Eminent journalist and former President of CUJ, M. Nasirul Hoque, BNP Women Front City Vice President Sayma Haque, Chattogram North District Secretary Laila Yasmin, Central Executive Member of the Bangladesh Frozen Fruits and Vegetable Exporters Association Md. Selim Jahangir, CAB Chawkbazar President Abdul Alim, Women Entrepreneur Farzana Muktadir, Youth Activist Partho Sarker, and Harisa Khanom Shuki also participated in the event.
