EBRD calls for greater participation of women in Azerbaijan's energy sector

Support from programs implemented by international organizations is essential to increasing women's participation in Azerbaijan's technical sector, Zarina Abdullaeva, Gender and Economic Inclusion Specialist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), said at the conference "Promoting Inclusion: Obstacles and Opportunities for Women's Participation in Azerbaijan's Transition to Green Energy" in Baku, Report informs.

"The conference's agenda and theme are crucial for Azerbaijan. Women's participation in the labor market, particularly in technical and managerial positions, is limited by certain structural barriers, social norms, and occupational segregation. These issues must be addressed through various interventions, which many organizations, including the EBRD, are working on. Women remain underrepresented in technical professions related to energy, as this sector, as we know, is traditionally considered male-dominated. It is crucial to integrate women into this industry, as they bring a fresh perspective to change. The energy sector is evolving, and the labor market must change with it," noted Abdullaeva.

The EBRD specialist emphasized the need for greater inclusion of women in various sectors, including energy, to achieve gender balance.

"Our main goal today is to discuss and exchange experiences and best practices that we could integrate into our future initiatives, as well as learn how other companies are addressing these challenges in their operations. I believe that today we will be able to create a strong platform for cooperation, discussion, and exchange of expertise. This will allow us to develop practical solutions, recommendations, and ideas that will help create a more inclusive energy sector in Azerbaijan and prepare it for the challenges of the future," the EBRD representative added.