USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA)

Lao Scholars from the USAID-funded energy scholarship and internship program met at the Gender-Inclusive Scholarship and Energy Internship Program Outreach and Networking Event in Bangkok last Friday. The event was an opportunity for the scholars to discuss the challenges that Lao students face in pursuing careers in the transitioning energy sector and the approaches to overcome them. Key insights included the need for greater cooperation in the Mekong to proffer mutually beneficial large-, medium-, and small-scale energy projects that increase economic opportunities while protecting the environment and decreasing the negative effects of climate change. Stay tuned for more stories from our Lao students in Thailand. #USAIDE4SEA

On the International Day of the Girl Child, as declared by the United Nations, we focus on creating more opportunities for girls and raising awareness about the gender inequality girls face worldwide. From breaking taboos around menstruation to combating child marriage, girl activists are transforming their communities and the world for the better. In 2024, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and vision of girls everywhere. This year’s theme underscores the urgent need for action and the power of girls’ voices to create a brighter future. Today’s generation of girls faces unprecedented challenges—from climate crises to socio-economic barriers—that limit their rights and opportunities. A significant issue is education, with an estimated 129 million girls of school age not attending school globally, including 32 million at the primary level and 67 million at the upper-secondary level (UNESCO, 2022). Despite these obstacles, girls remain a source of hope and inspiration, demonstrating unwavering determination to overcome barriers and create lasting change. USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA )is dedicated to expanding regional knowledge regarding gender equality in the energy sector to transform attitudes and eradicate biases. E4SEA’s Gender-Inclusive Scholarship and Energy Internship Program funds Laotian students to study at Thai universities and intern at Thai energy entities in order to gain the education, skills, and experience relevant for energy sector careers. With the right support, resources, and opportunities, the potential of girls is limitless. E4SEA is helping to increase the number of women and girls pursuing careers in the energy sector, breaking down barriers and reversing negative perceptions. By investing in them, we can ensure that every girl has the chance to fulfill her potential and lead the way toward stronger families, communities, and economies. #EmpowerGirls #USAIDE4SEA #GirlsInEnergy #GenderEquality

“Flat Tires Don’t Stop Trailblazers” Dr. Dynah Avigail Basuil is not just a professor and executive director—she’s a force of nature! Even a flat tire couldn’t derail her confidence and poise as she inspires the next generation of women in the energy sector. Her research on gender equality and work-life balance is paving the way for change, proving that innovation thrives when diverse voices are heard. This post, inspired by the SeeHer initiative, was created with the goal of encouraging women to seek career opportunities in the energy sector in the Philippines, aligning with the objectives of USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA). E4SEA strives to transform attitudes, eradicate biases, and expand gender equality in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Empowering Women’s Career Growth and Leadership. #USAIDE4SEA #SeeHerBeHer

A trailblazer in Mindanao: Dr. Maria Teresa Fajardo, the first in her family to become a licensed engineer, now leads the charge for gender equality in engineering and the energy sector at USTP. Her journey, marked by perseverance and support from inspiring women, fuels her commitment to empowering the next generation of female engineers in Southeast Asia. Explore more to know her!   For more information on GAD, please visit the Philippine Commission on Women website and this publication: https://lnkd.in/gK7-KgkQ This post, inspired by the SeeHer initiative, was created with the goal of encouraging women to seek career opportunities in the energy sector in the Philippines, aligning with the objectives of USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA). E4SEA strives to transform attitudes, eradicate biases, and expand gender equality in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Empowering Women’s Career Growth and Leadership. #USAIDE4SEA #SeeHerBeHer

In celebration of International Youth Day 2024, we are excited to spotlight our Lao Scholars and Interns from the Gender-Inclusive Scholarship and Energy Internship Program. The transition to renewable energy offers a unique opportunity for youth to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. As the world moves from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, young people are well-positioned to drive innovation, advocate for policy changes, and contribute to technological advancements. Their fresh perspectives and digital skills are crucial for leading projects that enhance energy efficiency, develop new renewable technologies, and combat climate change. USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA) is committed to fostering gender-inclusive initiatives to create a more equitable energy sector. Our Gender-Inclusive Scholarships and Internship Program supports both science, technology, engineering, and mathematics #STEM and non-STEM students who are passionate about careers in renewable energy. By partnering with educational institutions and energy employers, E4SEA not only opens new career opportunities but also promotes gender-inclusive governance, which is essential for a just and effective energy transition. #InternationalYouthDay #Youth #USAIDE4SEA

Can a whisper change your future ? Meet Ruth Yu-Owen, whose journey from international shipping to renewable energy was sparked by a whispered revelation on the future of energy. Today, as President & CEO of Upgrade Energy Philippines, she continues to champion clean energy solutions, steering the forefront of the renewable energy sector in the Philippines. The post, inspired by the SeeHer initiative, was created with the goal of encouraging women to seek career opportunities in the energy sector in the Philippines, aligning with the objectives of USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA). E4SEA strives to transform attitudes, eradicate biases, and expand gender equality in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Empowering Women’s Career Growth and Leadership. #USAIDE4SEA #SeeHerBeHer #WomenandRenewableEnergy

The Philippines’ Energy Leader, Nature Keeper, and Knowledge-Sharer – Agnes de Jesus Meet one of our country’s great specialists in the utilization of energy through safe and ecologically sound ways – Ms. Agnes de Jesus, Chief Sustainability Officer of First Philippine Holding Corporation (FPH). Ms. Agnes’ journey in the energy sector began when Energy Development Corporation, a member of FPH, developed geothermal fields in Southern Negros and needed environmental scientists. With a degree in botany and plant sciences, she was an ideal candidate to ensure that power generation did not negatively impact the environment and the verdant plant life of the island. She conducted fieldwork to prevent impacts on agriculture, forests, marine life, and livelihoods. Emphasizing the importance of geothermal energy, Ms. Agnes highlights its benefits: a clean, renewable resource with a low carbon footprint, crucial for addressing climate change. As an industry over a century old, it boasts established environmental and social safeguards, with localized and manageable impacts. In a male-dominated field, Ms. Agnes became valuable by mastering geothermal operations, collaborating with geologists, engineers, chemists, and physicists, and acting as a bridge between the environment, residents, and planners. “The diversity of the work – technical, community-based, business, engineering – makes the sector exciting,” she explains. With women representing only about 28% of the energy workforce, Ms. Agnes advises energy entities: “The company must start with the right mindset about women.  If they believe in gender equity, they will devote attention, time, and resources to it. With these everything follows – branding, authentic recruitment programs and safe workplaces that will attract women talents.” She also trains at the Environmental and Social Sustainability Center of the University of the Philippines and is a member of the Advisory Council of the business for Sustainable Development-Philippines (BSD) since 2014. As an environmental consultant for the Kenya Geothermal Program from 1998-2011, she helped Kenya become 8th in the world for geothermal energy, while the Philippines is 3rd. Ms. Agnes is a contributing author to the "bible" of geothermal generation, detailing environmental and social best practices. She has assisted Congress in crafting park laws, clean water and air acts, and the Renewable Energy Act. Ms. Agnes de Jesus exemplifies the roles of an Energy Leader, Nature Keeper, and Knowledge-Sharer. Her tireless efforts bridge the gap between development, economic growth, and environmental and social sustainability. Thank you, Ms. Agnes, for your enduring contributions and unwavering dedication to a sustainable future.

What contributions are women engineers really making to the clean energy sector transformation in Southeast Asia?  This year, International Women in Engineering Day (#INWED24) highlights the significant contributions of women in engineering and showcases the incredible career opportunities available in this sector with hashtag #EnhancedByEngineering. As the world transitions to sustainable energy solutions, the field of renewable energy engineering stands at the forefront of innovation and problem-solving. However, it remains predominantly male-dominated. Encouraging more women to pursue engineering, particularly in renewables, is essential for achieving gender equality. Women's contributions drive advancements in clean energy technologies, reduce carbon footprints, combat climate change, and unlock a wealth of untapped talent. Creating an environment where women have the same opportunities as men—from education to career advancement—requires equal access to resources, support, and encouragement from a young age. It also involves combating stereotypes and biases that deter women from the field. To prepare women for careers in engineering, education institutions must create inclusive environments that support women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This includes providing scholarships, mentorship programs, and supportive networks that encourage women to pursue and persist in engineering studies. The USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA) program implements gender-inclusive initiatives that pave the way for a more equitable energy sector. The Gender Inclusive Scholarships and Internship Program, for example, supports talented STEM and non-STEM students who are passionate about careers in renewable energy. Collaborating with educational institutions and energy employers E4SEA fosters new career opportunities and promotes gender-inclusive governance, essential for a just energy transition. #WomenInEngineering #STEM #USAIDE4SEA

The Philippines has the potential to generate over 350,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector by 2030 according to an Eco-Business Special Report. Could one of these be your job in the future? Tell us your thoughts when you share this post! Find more information: https://lnkd.in/gSSJUZz This post, inspired by the SeeHer initiative, was created with the goal of encouraging women to seek career opportunities in the energy sector in the Philippines, aligning with the objectives of USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA). E4SEA strives to transform attitudes, eradicate biases, and expand gender equality in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Empowering Women’s Career Growth and Leadership. #USAIDE4SEA #SeeHerBeHer

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recommends policy changes to help close the gender gap in the energy workforce. Equal training opportunities, improved parental leave, and flexible work hours are a good place to start. Salary transparency and career growth opportunities help support networking and mentorship for women in this field. Dive deeper through our posts! Source:  https://lnkd.in/gbVVFjap This post, inspired by the SeeHer initiative, was created with the goal of encouraging women to seek career opportunities in the energy sector in the Philippines, aligning with the objectives of USAID Enhancing Equality in Energy for Southeast Asia (E4SEA). E4SEA strives to transform attitudes, eradicate biases, and expand gender equality in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Empowering Women’s Career Growth and Leadership. #USAIDE4SEA #SeeHerBeHer