Que: What gender gaps do you see in the current policies within the energy sector?

Ans: Current energy policies in India often adopt a gender-neutral approach, which unintentionally reinforces existing disparities. While some policies do offer scope for gender inclusion, such as promoting women’s participation in clean energy initiatives, the challenge lies in their effective implementation. There’s limited gender-disaggregated data, and women remain underrepresented in decision-making and technical roles. Without targeted execution and accountability, some of the policies risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative.

Que: Have you personally encountered unconscious bias in your career? How was it handled (or not handled)?

Ans: Personally, I have not encountered unconscious bias in my career. I have been actively engaged in energy-related work, voicing my perspectives across national and international platforms. I have also contributed to policy briefs and publications without facing constraints, which I believe reflects a growing openness in the sector to diverse voices when backed by expertise and clarity of purpose.

Que: What do you think are the most common structural barriers preventing women from advancing in this sector?

Ans: One of the biggest structural barriers is the lack of gender-sensitive training and recruitment in the energy sector, which remains male-dominated, especially in technical and leadership roles. Social norms often discourage women from pursuing energy-related careers, and even when they do, workplace cultures can be exclusionary. Limited access to mentorship, networking, and flexible work arrangements further restricts women’s advancement. For instance, despite initiatives like the Skill Council for Green Jobs, women’s participation in renewable energy training programmes remains disproportionately low, highlighting the gap between policy intent and ground-level impact.

Que: What kind of visibility or recognition would help amplify women’s contributions in energy?

Ans: Visibility begins with representation - women need to be seen not just as beneficiaries of energy access, but as innovators, leaders, and decision-makers. Recognition through awards, media coverage, and inclusion in expert panels can help shift perceptions. Encouraging publications that highlight gender-specific outcomes in energy projects, showcasing grassroots women entrepreneurs, and integrating gender metrics into project evaluations would also amplify their contributions meaningfully.

Que: What specific gender-responsive policies do you think would have the most immediate impact in the energy sector?

Ans: Policies that prioritise gender-disaggregated data collection and integrate gender audits into energy programmes would have an immediate impact. These tools help identify gaps and tailor interventions effectively. Additionally, mandating women’s representation in energy governance bodies and offering targeted financial and technical support for women-led energy enterprises, especially in rural areas, can accelerate inclusion. For instance, the Saubhagya scheme expanded household electrification, yet did not fully address how energy access could empower women economically or socially. The PM KUSUM scheme, which promotes solar pumps for farmers, holds potential for women in agriculture. But due to land ownership barriers and limited outreach, women’s participation remains minimal.

Emerging programmes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the National Green Hydrogen Mission could be transformative if designed with gender inclusion in mind. Linking such schemes with gender-responsive goals would make them more transformative.

Que: How do you envision the energy sector transforming if gender-inclusive policies are truly implemented?

Ans: If gender inclusive policies are truly implemented, the energy sector would become more equitable, innovative, and socially impactful. Women’s participation across the value chain from design to deployment would bring diverse perspectives that improve technology adoption and community engagement. Energy access would be more aligned with real-world needs, and we would see a rise in women-led enterprises, better integration of energy with health and livelihood programmes, and more inclusive governance structures. Ultimately, gender inclusion would shift the sector from being supply-driven to being people-centered.

Que: What message would you give to younger women aspiring to join India’s clean energy mission?

Ans: Women must step into the energy sector with conviction. Their insights, leadership, and creativity are vital to shaping India’s clean energy future. This mission is not just about technology; it is about transforming lives, building resilient communities, and driving inclusive growth. Whether the passion lies in engineering, policy, entrepreneurship, or grassroots innovation, there is space for women to lead and make a difference. Women need not wait for permission; they have to claim their place, seek mentorship, and build networks that support healthy growth. The energy transition must be inclusive to be truly sustainable, and women's participation is key to making that happen.