Women remain underrepresented in India’s energy transition despite being crucial to shaping the country’s shift towards renewable and sustainable sources, experts said during a recent climate forum. Stakeholders called for urgent reforms to dismantle entrenched gender biases and expand women’s participation at all levels of the energy sector.
Author Neha Saigal highlighted that women have historically been excluded from energy-related policymaking and technical discussions. Her work documents how women across India are emerging as pivotal leaders in green energy initiatives, though social norms and structural inequalities continue to restrict their involvement. Saigal argued that achieving a fair and effective energy transition requires transforming these gender barriers into inclusive policies and governance frameworks.
Renewable energy has traditionally been a male-dominated space in India, with limited pathways for women to assume leadership or technical roles. Saigal stressed the need for policy shifts complemented by targeted financing and governance changes to integrate women fully. She also emphasized the importance of decentralized energy models, which can empower women in rural areas to contribute meaningfully to clean energy solutions.
Amrita Rana, a founding member of Clean Air Punjab, echoed the necessity of women’s presence in policy formation to ensure outcomes that reflect gender equality. She pointed out that existing policies fall short in creating sufficient opportunities for women in the clean energy sector. Rana advocated for active mentorship and support frameworks to help rural women participate effectively in solar projects and other renewable initiatives, referring to localized efforts such as the deployment of women-operated electric rickshaws.
The dialogue underscored that addressing social norms that limit women’s agency is as important as technical training. Stakeholders concluded that sustainable climate solutions in India hinge on recognizing women as essential architects of the nation’s energy future, requiring both top-down reforms and grassroots empowerment.