The energy sector in Southeast Asia is growing rapidly to meet the increasing demand for electricity; however, the urgency, relevance, and implementation of gender mainstreaming in the sector remains relatively unexplored. The needs, concerns, and vulnerabilities of different groups are often overlooked or disregarded primarily because they don’t represent the voice of the majority. In the male-dominated energy sector, gaps are apparent: women are heavily under-represented in the workforce and leadership positions; needs and concerns of women are not considered in power plant design; and distribution of energy often does not consider the needs of vulnerable groups.

This event will discuss the key strategies, tools, and best practices of gender mainstreaming in financing and developing energy projects. Prominent speakers representing the regions’ project financiers and developers will participate in the event to share their experiences and expertise.

SPEAKERS:

• Zonibel Woods, Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development), Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Maya Rani Puspita, Executive Vice President of Corporate Finance, Indonesia State Electricity Company (Perusahaan Listrik Negara/PLN)

• Priyanka Awasthi, Chief Sustainability Officer, The Blue Circle Group

MODERATOR:

• Marisna Yulianti, Senior GESI Specialist, Mekong Safeguards

Implemented by The Asia Foundation, the USAID and Australia Mekong Safeguards Program supports policymakers, government regulators, major financiers, developers, contractors, and communities with technical assistance, knowledge, and tools to foster consistent application of strengthened environmental and social governance standards, particularly for the energy, transport, and water sectors. Please contact us at if you’re interested in engaging with our experts about a project opportunity.