Mongla (Bagerhat) Mar 08 (V7N) -  On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025, an awareness campaign was held in Mongla, demanding greater women’s participation in the power and energy sector, empowerment, energy rights, and recognition of women as policymakers. A courtyard meeting titled “Empowerment of Women in the Power and Energy Sector: Ensuring Energy Security and Rights for Sustainable Development” was held at Chilla Bazar, Mongla, on Saturday morning, with the participation of coastal women.

The event was jointly organized by Mongla Civil Society, Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network, and the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development. The main objective of the meeting was to establish women’s energy security and rights by promoting 100% renewable energy nationwide.

Speakers at the event highlighted that toxic metals from coal-fired power plants are severely affecting women’s reproductive health. They stressed the need for greater decision-making opportunities for women in the energy sector and equitable energy use at all levels.

The courtyard meeting, held at 11 AM, was chaired by Md. Noor Alam Sheikh, convener of Mongla Civil Society, who also served as the chief guest. Other speakers included women leaders Kamala Sarkar, Chandrika Mondal, Ratna Sheikh, Tanvi Mondal, environmental activist Hasib Sardar, and youth leader Mehedi Hasan.

Md. Noor Alam Sheikh emphasized that 46% of the total energy in Bangladesh is used for household purposes, meaning women are the primary consumers. However, rising electricity prices due to imported fossil fuels are disproportionately affecting them. He pointed out that women are excluded from energy sector decision-making, own only 2-4% of land, and are marginalized in power project planning.

Women leader Kamala Sarkar highlighted that fossil fuel-based power plants create mobility challenges for women due to an influx of outsiders in local areas. She noted that women face sanitation issues, health risks, and security concerns, yet project authorities do little to address these problems.

Ratna Sheikh criticized coal-fired power plants for releasing mercury, lead, cadmium, sulfur, and chromium, which severely impact women’s reproductive health. She pointed out that, despite being direct victims of pollution, women receive no compensation as they do not own land.

The speakers urged the government to take steps to make it easier for women to install solar home systems and to prioritize renewable energy for a sustainable and equitable future.

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