Energy plays a major role to fulfil the basic needs of human being. In line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Nepal has committed for accessibility of modern, sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy for all by 2030. Similarly, the Constitution of Nepal has a policy to reliable supply of energy in an affordable and easy manner, and make proper use of energy, for the fulfilment of the basic needs of citizens, by generating and developing renewable energy. And, right to clean environment has also been assured stating that: Every citizen shall have the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. Furthermore, women right in every sector is ensured by stating: Every woman shall have equal lineage right without gender-based discrimination.
However, women have marginal role in decision making concerning policy formulation process of whole energy sector and their households energy consumption as well. And, rural women are still behind the reach of modern energy. More than 70% of cooking energy used in rural areas of Nepal is from traditional source i.e. firewood, and animal dung. Thus, majority of time of rural women is spent on collecting firewood. As a result, they do not have time for productive works. Similarly, health of women is highly affected and they are facing gender-based violence associated with collecting fuel woods. And in some cases, although they have access to electricity, women do not have enough knowledge on its safe use, thus are more vulnerable to accidents related to electrical hazards.
Therefore, there is a need of awareness raising, capacity building and economic empowerment of women for preparing them to be actively engaged in decision making, proper utilization of electricity/energy, maintaining electrical safety in household, technology selection and the investing money. Thus, WoNEE was established to increase the meaningful participation of women in local to national level at decision making process, advocacy, planning process, leadership development, benefit and opportunity sharing, and build civic opinion in energy and environment sector.
Vision
Women Network for Energy and Environment WoNEE Nepal contribute to be the premier women’s network that promote the economic and professional growth and success of women in the energy and environment sector.
Mission
Promoting effective role of women in the energy and other sectors.
Guiding and providing training to inspire young women in this field
Lobby and advocating for making gender friendly energy and environment
Building capacity of women in the technical and managerial skills.
Goals and Objectives
- To advocate for gender friendly energy policy, program and budget
- To lobby for investment and benefits opportunity.
- To build the capacity of women in energy and environment.
- To raise awareness on Electrical Safety, Productive use and Energy Efficiency.
- To educate and encourage women for energy based skills and employments.