IFC suggests boosting women's contribution in hydropower

Kathmandu, Sept. 22

Companies and women in Nepal would stand to benefit if greater action was taken to improve women’s participation and contribution in the hydropower sector, concluded a study conducted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The study calls for companies to adopt gender sensitive policies and practices to attract more women into working in the hydropower sector – a key national priority.

“Women make up more than half of Nepal’s population, yet the study reveals only 10 per cent of all employees in the country’s hydropower sector are women,” said Wendy Werner, IFC Country Manager for Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. “The companies need to seize the opportunity to embark on more gender-sensitive and family-friendly policies to help boost staff productivity and attract and retain talent which will ultimately boost their businesses,” he added.

The study of 20 companies is part of the Powered by Women initiative—a time-bound commitment by companies to build the business case for improved gender equality and diversity in renewable energy companies in Nepal.

“We recognise the need  for making conscious efforts to increase the number of women in power sector. Our organization has already taken a forward step by making women participation in the executive committee mandatory. By partnering with IFC on this important initiative we are committing to championing this cause,” said Ashish Garg, Vice President of Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal.

The report recommends that companies need to develop and enforce gender-sensitive policies, including mechanisms to address cases of bullying, sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation.

Meanwhile, at the community level, the report urges increased support from companies to women-led businesses, including improving their access to finance, and efforts to train

Gender stereotyping, remoteness of hydropower project sites and a lack of women in science, technology, engineering, and math education have been identified as key constraints for women’s participation in this sector, found the study. 

Concerns around initial investment costs and uncertainty over whether there will be a pay off in the short- to medium-term were also inhibiting factors, according to the study.

Nepal ranks 105 out of 149 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index 2018 conducted by the World Economic Forum, indicating that there is still a critical need to focus on gender equality across various spheres.

The study was conducted between 2019 and 2020. Over two dozen executives and almost 250 employees working in 20 companies within Nepal’s hydropower industry contributed to the research.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 September 2020.