Empowering female engineers

women

In Pakistan, female engineers have traditionally faced significant barriers in entering and thriving within the energy sector, a field long dominated by men. However, recent initiatives have begun to challenge this status quo, empowering women to step into roles that were once considered out of reach. A landmark moment in this ongoing effort by LadiesFund Energy was achieved through a solarisation project that not only empowered female engineers but also set a historic precedent.

The project began with the training and certification of 28 female engineers by NED University, under the leadership of Dawood Global Foundation (DGF). This initiative was part of a broader commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusivity in the energy sector. The training, conducted by Dr Mohsin Aman at NED, was world-class, utilising cutting-edge equipment and designed by LadiesFund Energy to prepare these women for real-world challenges in solar roof installation.

With overwhelming interest in the programme, 86 additional female engineers were waitlisted for the course. Recognising the demand, DGF announced plans to expand the programme, with the next batch focusing on training girls from Interior Sindh. The project also provided practical, hands-on training at The Buraq Centre, led by experts like solar entrepreneur Sir Hashim and Mr. Muhammad Fida from K-Solar. These sessions included practical and safety training, crucial for preparing the engineers for their upcoming project.

The culmination of this extensive training was the installation of a 24 KW solar system on the rooftop of Hooseini Yateem Khana in Karachi, a ‘Waqf Orphanage’ founded in 1952 by Hoosein Kassam Dada. This marked the first solar roof installation by women in Pakistan’s history and is believed to be the first of its kind. The installation was led by a team of five outstanding female engineers - Areeba Rashid, Eman Batool, Farhan Anjum, Muskan Iqbal, and Rahimeen Haider Ali - who became the first women in Pakistan to be paid for solar roof installation.

A ceremony was held at Hooseini Yateem Khana. Attendees included prominent figures from the industry and government, as well as representatives from supporting organisations. The ceremony featured tours of the orphanage and its associated school, with the newly installed solar panels serving as a powerful backdrop.

Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Honourable Mayor of Karachi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Expressing his pride in the female engineers, he stated, “On behalf of the City of Karachi, I am so proud of our dynamic female engineers, the first ever female installers in Pakistan. Best wishes to you all!” Mayor Wahab also pledged government and KMC support for the training of 100 women engineers in solarisation at NED University or for the establishment of a vocational training school by Dawood Global Foundation for STEM education. He invited the project team to bid for the current tender to solarise the KMC building.

Reflecting on her experience, Eman Batool, one of the installers, shared her excitement, saying, “I am so excited to have been part of this first installation by a woman. Thank you to the team for believing in us and training us.”

Support for the initiative extended beyond the ceremony. Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Sindh Minister of Culture, and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Honourable Sindh Minister for Energy & P&D, sent messages of support. Shah praised the initiative, stating, “On behalf of the Sindh Government, I am deeply proud of these talented Pakistani women engineers. They truly bring honour to our nation! We wish them every success in their careers and take inspiration from their courage.”

Prominent industry figures, including Ayaz Dawood, Syed Kumail Hyder Shah (son of Nasir Shah as well as Lord Mayor Sukkur), Haseeb Khan, Sindh Ministry of Climate Change representative Ayhan Bhutto, Mehfooz Qazi (World Bank), Shanaz Ramzi, Naeem Qureshi (from Sindh Energy Department), Sikander Dada, Hussein Dada, Hanila Dada, Syed Aamir Sajjad, Ahsan Mehanti, Samia Mufti, and Dr Mohsin Aman attended the training sessions and the closing ceremony, showcasing their support for the initiative.

Prof. Dr Samreen Hussain (T.I), Vice Chancellor of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, praised the students’ achievements, emphasising the importance of bridging academic knowledge with practical experience. Dr Abdul Sami, Associate Professor at Dawood University and project manager for the collaboration, highlighted the technical competence of his team and the significance of continuing these efforts to enhance student learning and contribute to the broader industrial landscape.

The project is now fully completed, with the orphanage successfully powered by a hybrid solar battery and grid system. Tara Uzra Dawood, who played a key role in this initiative, reaffirmed the mission to continue empowering female engineers and promoting sustainable energy solutions. She emphasised that this effort will continue with ongoing support from DGF, KfW DEG Impulse, and develoPPP.

This initiative garnered support from various organisations, including Starlinks PR, Depilex, Chop Chop Wok, and Cups’n’Cakes, underscoring the broad-based commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Pakistan’s energy sector.

- You! desk