New York, 21 March 2024 - The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE) convened an international discussion to mobilize support for Eswatini women in the energy sector. The official side event was held on the margins of the 68^th Session on the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, USA, on 21 March 2024. It was themed: Accelerating gender equality and women’s economic empowerment through clean energy investment.

The side event also showcased best practices of initiatives implemented by the government in partnership with the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve the participation of women in the energy sector. It was attended by representatives of member states, civil society organizations, development partners, and donors who participated in the conference held between March 11 to 22. 

UNDP supported the participation of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini delegation under the Powering Gender Equality initiative. Funded by the Republic of Korea and Luxembourg, through the UNDP Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Funding Window, this project aims to boost women’s economic empowerment, enhance gender-responsive energy governance, and support energy policy frameworks that accelerate gender equality. In Eswatini, this two-year initiative is building the capacity of rural women to take advantage of renewable energy to not only power their homes but also run small businesses to enhance their livelihoods. The project also aims to support the government in creating an enabling environment for women's participation in the energy sector through policies. 

Download Press Release