By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) on Tuesday organized a webinar on Role of Women in Upholding Energy Efficiency and Conservation Practices in collaboration with Soul Sisters Abbottabad chapter.
The webinar on Role of Women in Upholding Energy Efficiency and Conservation Practices was intended to open the platform for generating the debate on Energy Efficiency & Conservation related interventions at the household level, besides any area under focus where women intervene. Precisely, how the women can lead the energy efficiency practices at homes and within the society as the change makers. In addition, how the other members of their families, neighbors, and communities in general, can evolve as major contributors towards energy conservation needs for Pakistan.
The Webinar was followed by distinct speakers, including Managing Director NEECA: Dr. Sardar Muhazzam, Technical Advisor Climate change, GIZ: Mehak Masood, Head of Energy Department, (SDPI): Dr. Hina Aslam , CEO, Women in Energy: Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sardar Muhazzam said that NEECA established in 1985 and become an authority in 2016 so there was very less work done regarding Energy Efficiency and Conservation in previous years but now we are actively working from the recent one year. He added that we have set our goal regarding Energy Efficiency for the upcoming 3-year so in order to achieve it, we are also working on our strategic plan.
He further explained that women are around 51 percent of the total population and generally women are the most relevant consumers of energy in homes but we are so amazed after knowing from NEECA’s website statistic and Google analytics that women have zero interest in Energy Efficiency and Conservation. Dr. Sardar Muhazzam said that women mainly decide energy consumption in home for example which appliance to use and when to operate it. If we are successful in convincing women then it would have a great impact on Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Pakistan. He further said that educating women towards Energy Efficiency and Conservation can also enable Pakistan to overcome the current energy crises.
Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi said that we should look into the long-term benefit and educate women to know about Energy Efficient appliances because most women don’t have such knowledge. She advised that a small step could lead to Energy Efficiency and Conservation like informing the women regarding Peak hours and convince them not to use their appliances at that time. Social Media awareness is highly needed in this regard.
Dr. Hina Aslam added that we have to minimize the use of electric appliances instead of adopting old ways to save energy. She said that Women’s suggestions should be involved in our mainstream policies regarding Energy Efficiency and Conservation. She further added that NEECA should provide access to trainings, workshops, and Entrepreneurships to women regarding Energy Efficiency and Conservation.
Ms. Mehak Masood highlighted that we should focus on schoolchildren to aware them of Energy Efficiency and Conservation and educate them about Energy Efficient habits and use of appliances, so that then they can further aware their parents. She added that women should play a vital role and become the opinion leaders towards bringing change.
