Expanding women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors like energy creates tangible economic empowerment outcomes for women, improves business performance, and helps countries create strong, resilient economies. Founded in 2017 with USAID support, the Association of Women in the Energy Sector of Kosovo (AWESK) is the first civil society organization in Kosovo focused on creating opportunities for women to have meaningful careers in the energy sector. AWESK recognizes that there are no easy or immediate solutions and is channeling its resources and attention to address the root of the gender gap by encouraging women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related fields.
To raise awareness of women’s underrepresentation in STEM with those in the position to take action, the association organized the first conference of its kind in Kosovo, focused on strengthening the role of women in decision-making processes in the energy sector. It also focused on boosting education and degrees of women and youth in STEM-related fields, detailing international approaches to gender and youth empowerment, and helping to develop the next generation of energy professionals in Kosovo. The event provided a platform for discussion on why women remain underrepresented in the energy sector and STEM fields more broadly, and how to fill that gap. Minister of Trade and Industry Rozeta Hajdari, Director of Women Global Network on Energy Transition, Christine Lins, and university professors from Kosovo and Albania presented at the conference.
Arijeta Pajaziti Qerimi, AWESK’s Executive Director, explained that the conference is intended to translate verbal pledges into tangible actions. “Our commitment to mainstream gender in the energy sector has to be translated into meaningful progress,” she stated. “Good intentions must turn into concrete action!” To learn more about the conference and AWESK’s work, visit www.awesk.org
TetraTech for USAIDKosovo