NZMATES conducts first Women in Energy Initiative to improve women’s participation

As part of its efforts to encourage greater participation of women in Maluku’s renewable energy sector, NZMATES has conducted its first Women in Energy Initiative, held in June and culminating in a public webinar on July 15, 2021. 

Throughout June 2021, questionnaires were sent out to women personnel, including staff and students, from partner institutions such as PLN MMU, Dinas ESDM Maluku, Bappeda Maluku, Pattimura University, and Ambon State Polytechnic. Individual Focus Group Discussions (FGD) for each institution were also held as a follow-up to the questionnaires, and to further explore the range of challenges and opportunities for women engaged in the energy sector in Maluku. The data gathered from the process provided important perspectives which will allow NZMATES to improve the delivery of its trainings and technical assistance. 

The Initiative was concluded with a public webinar held on July 15, 2021. NZMATES presented the findings of the survey and invited three women speakers from the energy sector. Head of Bappeda Maluku’s Economy and Natural Resources Sub-Area, Beti Rattekanan, Manager of IESR’s Sustainable Energy Access Program, Dr. Marlistya Citraningrum, and NZMATES Renewable Energy Technical Specialist Maryam Karimah shared reflections on their work and the significance of women in each of their roles. The webinar was attended by a variety of women and men from Maluku and throughout Indonesia, and provoked thoughtful discussion around gender issues in the renewable energy sector. 

The webinar can be watched here. NZMATES will continue to strive for gender equality and equity in all of its activities.