USAID Urja Nepal concluded its nine-month-long training programme for the development of leadership and management skills for women in Nepal's energy sector. The closing ceremony was held on Friday.

The programme was aimed at assisting women leaders in advancing their leadership skills, enhancing their professional influence, and making effective business decisions to accelerate Nepal's energy transition.

Co-designed with input from women leaders in the sector, the programme focused on addressing key challenges in the power sector, including cross-border electricity trade and project financial management.

It also aimed to equip participants with leadership skills to navigate the male-dominated energy industry and provided a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among women leaders, said the statement issued by USAID Urja Nepal.

“Over the course of this programme, we have been privileged to learn the skills, insights and experiences from some of the eminent experts in their respective fields,” said Prabina Chettri, assistant manager at Nepal Electricity Authority, and one of the participants.

Chettri added: “The workshop has immensely contributed to expanding our professional horizons. It has not only honed our skills but also challenged us to redefine our own potential and motivated us to have a mindset of continuous learning.”

Speaking at the event, Energy Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet congratulated the participants and reiterated the government’s commitment to make the sector more inclusive.

“The ministry would like to see women in leadership roles in the energy sector in the coming days,” said Basnet.

Sepideh Keyvanshad, USAID/Nepal’s Mission Director also said, “Through this programme, we aspire to create a ripple effect where today's participants become tomorrow's champions, mentoring others in their journey towards leadership.”

“I am aware that women are underrepresented in Nepal’s energy sector and I believe that a programme like this will empower our women who are already in the sector as well as encourage more to participate and lead the sector,” said lawmaker Nisha Dangi.