Project: Women’s Empowerment and Energy (WEE)

Bangladesh, with a population of over 165 million people, is ranked as the 7th most vulnerable country in the world in terms of climate change impact. Climate change is having different impacts on women in Bangladesh. Women often bear the responsibility for agricultural activities, homestead gardening, gathering fuel wood, and managing traditional fuels like biomass. Clay stoves, commonly used for cooking, release fine particles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, dioxins, and other carcinogens that women inhale. Consequently, the most significant direct health hazards for women are respiratory infections and chronic lung diseases. Providing renewable energy to women is crucial for building resilience and addressing climate change impacts.

Manusher Jonno Foundation has been awarded a project titled ‘Women’s Empowerment and Energy’ (WEE) to empower women through a gender-sensitive renewable energy policy. The project focuses on the development of gender-sensitive energy policies to promote the responsible use of renewable energy and address the distinct impacts on men and women. It aims to build a countrywide awareness campaign to implement climate action plans and cut emissions as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution. By addressing the historical deprivation and empowering women in Bangladesh, the project seeks to overcome barriers to accessing property, resources, finance, and decision-making processes – ultimately fostering sustainable development and transition in the country.

Project Objectives
To develop a gender-sensitive Renewable Energy Policy to further the process of women empowerment in Bangladesh.

Expected Results/Outcomes
1. A new narrative on gender-sensitive renewable energy perspective developed and shared with at least 25 women-led organisations as well as government officials and policy-makers.
2. At least 50 women activists representing 25 women-led organisations and networks developed as change agents of renewable energy potential for transforming women’s lives.
3. A strong advocacy platform of women’s voice developed comprised at least of 20 women-led organisations and networks for equitable renewable energy in Bangladesh.

Target Population: Women.

Direct Beneficiary Numbers: 10,500.

Geographical Locations: Across Bangladesh.

Implementing Organisation: Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Project Duration: January 2023 – December 2023.

Budget (BDT): 5,766,970.

Aligns with SDGs: SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 13.

Aligns with MJF’s Focused Thematic Issue
1. Building community resilience for the green economy to offset climate-induced risks and vulnerabilities.
2. Social, political, economic and legal empowerment of women, including reducing violence and discrimination against women, girls and children.

Publications

Assessment of Gender Impacts in Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies in Bangladesh

The Women’s Empowerment and Energy (WEE) project of Manusher Jonno Foundation conducted a comprehensive study, ‘Assessment of Gender Impacts in Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies in Bangladesh’ to analyze the gender implications of renewable energy sources and technologies in Bangladesh, aiming to pinpoint specific areas of gender disparity in this sector. To access the full report please follow the link: Read more…