The project “Energising Women to Advance the Energy Transition in the SADC Region” is dedicated to empowering women to play an active role in the energy transition across the Southern African Development Community region.

Targeting SADC countries, this project aims to break down barriers for women and girls in the energy sector. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, this initiative offers a multi-faceted approach to empowering women at every level, from professionals already working in energy to entrepreneurs and young girls aspiring to join the energy transition. 

The project's core components include: 
1.    Mentorship Programme: As part of this initiative, three cohorts will run consecutively, starting with 50 participants in the first year, 75 in the second, and 100 in the third. Each programme lasts 12 months. The mentoring programme is open to women with 3–5 years of relevant experience in energy or development. All participants will be matched with a mentor correlating to their professional and personal goals. Mentees will also gain access to online knowledge transfer sessions and networking opportunities.
2.    Capacity-Building Programme for Women Energy Entrepreneurs: This programme sets out to support SADC women entrepreneurs scale their businesses within the energy sector. The programme aims to provide the participants with opportunities to connect with role models and experts who can guide them in navigating challenges and scaling operations. The capacity-building initiative will offer intensive support for three cohorts of 15 women each, targeting rising entrepreneurs with existing businesses or business plans.
3.    Scoping Study for Supporting Women Energy Entrepreneurs in Rural Areas: This component relates to the development of a scoping study for a new SADC programme aimed at empowering women energy entrepreneurs in rural areas. The primary objectives of the proposed programme are to enhance income generation for the women involved and promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions alongside circular production and consumption practices. The scoping study will cover key areas such as identifying a suitable local partner organisation, selecting the target region or province, benchmarking with similar initiatives in other countries or regions, conducting a risk analysis, and more.
4.    Social Media Campaign: A dynamic communications campaign will be designed and implemented to inspire and empower girls and women from 14 SADC nations to pursue careers in the energy transition. This initiative aims to raise awareness about opportunities in the energy sector, offer tailored career guidance, and challenge harmful gender stereotypes that impede progress and inclusion.

This initiative is jointly implemented by the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) and Global Women’s Initiative for the Energy Transition (GWNET), with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of International Partnerships Austria.

For more information on the programme, mentees and mentors visit: https://globalwomennet.org/mentoring-program/energising-women-to-advance-the-energy-transition-in-the-sadc-region-mentoring-programme/