Gender in energy awards illuminate female excellence.
By Delisa Magagula
In a historic move for the energy sector, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy hosted the inaugural Gender in Energy Awards, a ceremony aimed at recognizing and celebrating the role of women in shaping the future of energy.
The event, held at the Royal Villas, served as a platform to highlight female excellence in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Acting Minister of Energy, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to making the awards a reality.
She acknowledged the efforts of the organizing committee and extended her appreciation to the sponsors who supported the initiative.
According to her, their contributions played a significant role in ensuring that the event successfully honored the achievements of women in the sector.
Mkhonta-Simelane stated that the Ministry was committed to fostering an inclusive energy sector where gender equality was not just an ideal but a reality.
She emphasized that the awards were more than just a recognition platform they were a movement dedicated to empowering women to take the lead in the development and innovation of energy solutions.
“We encourage organizations to develop gender-responsive policies that promote equal participation in decision-making and resource allocation,” she said.
She further said the program further supports research and advocacy efforts aimed at dismantling systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress in the energy industry.
The awards were held in alignment with the Ministry’s broader initiative the Energy Mainstreaming Program.
Mkhonta-Simelane explained that the program was designed to promote gender-responsive policies, planning, and implementation in the energy sector.
She stated that by incorporating gender considerations into decision-making, the Ministry aimed to ensure that women were not only beneficiaries of energy resources but also key players in shaping the industry.
“Energy is the lifeblood of any nation, driving economic development, innovation, and sustainability. However, for far too long, the energy sector has remained a space where women’s contributions have been undervalued,” she remarked.
Throughout the evening, the event celebrated women who had made remarkable contributions to the industry, recognizing their resilience, leadership, and innovation.
The awards covered multiple categories, ranging from technical excellence to leadership and advocacy. Winners were commended for their role in advancing energy solutions and promoting sustainable practices.
One of the honorees, an engineer in the renewable energy sector, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating that the award was a testament to the hard work women put into breaking barriers in the industry.
She mentioned that seeing more women taking up leadership positions in energy was a sign of progress and encouraged young women to pursue careers in the field.
The awards also served as a networking opportunity for professionals in the energy sector. Attendees, including industry leaders, policymakers, and aspiring professionals, engaged in discussions about the future of gender representation in energy.
Many acknowledged the need for policies that not only supported but actively promoted the inclusion of women in technical and decision-making roles.
As part of the milestone event, the Acting Minister officially launched Eswatini’s first Women in Energy catalogue, titled Energy Voices.
The publication, she explained, was a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices, experiences, and successes of women in the industry.
“This magazine serves as a powerful tool for telling the stories of women who have defied the odds and carved out spaces for themselves in the energy sector,” Mkhonta-Simelane said. “With Energy Voices, we not only document their journeys but also inspire the next generation of women leaders in energy.”
The catalogue features profiles of women across various energy fields, detailing their contributions and challenges. It highlights women who have spearheaded renewable energy projects, led policy-making efforts, and driven innovation in both rural and urban energy solutions.
According to the Minister, the publication was not just about celebrating achievements but also about fostering mentorship and knowledge-sharing among women in the sector.
A representative from the private energy sector commended the initiative, stating that Energy Voices would serve as a vital resource for recognizing female talent and encouraging companies to adopt gender-inclusive policies.
She emphasized the importance of mentorship in empowering more women to enter and thrive in the energy industry.
The evening concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to gender inclusion in the sector. Mkhonta-Simelane reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to promoting equal opportunities and ensuring that women had a significant role in decision-making processes.
She encouraged organizations to take actionable steps towards inclusivity, stressing that progress in the energy sector depended on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
Guests reflected on the significance of the event, recognizing that the Gender in Energy Awards marked the beginning of a transformative journey. With initiatives like Energy Voices and the Energy Mainstreaming Program, the Ministry set the stage for a future where women in energy were not only acknowledged but also empowered to lead.