Eswatini launches gender in energy awards to celebrate female excellence

Eswatini’s energy sector has marked a historic moment with the introduction of the inaugural Gender in Energy Awards, a ceremony designed to spotlight the critical role women play in shaping the future of energy. The event, held at Royal Villas yesterday evening, aimed to empower women not only as consumers of energy but also as innovators and leaders within the industry.

The Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders and sponsors who supported the event. She acknowledged the organizing committee for their hard work and dedication in making the ceremony a success.

Minister Mkhonta-Simelane also praised the ongoing Energy Mainstreaming Program, which promotes gender-responsive policies within the energy sector. The program seeks to integrate gender considerations into energy planning and decision-making processes, aiming to create equal opportunities for women at every level, from technical roles to leadership positions.

“The energy sector drives innovation, development, and sustainability,” said Minister Mkhonta-Simelane. “For too long, the contributions of women have been overlooked, but tonight we break barriers and reaffirm our commitment to changing this narrative.”

A defining moment of the ceremony was the launch of “Energy Voices,” Eswatini’s official women in energy catalogue. The magazine offers a platform for sharing the stories and achievements of women in the energy industry, highlighting their vital contributions in a traditionally male-dominated field.