ASEAN Women in Energy-Climate (2026)

Women’s Inclusion in ASEAN’s Energy Transition

Efforts to promote gender inclusion in ASEAN’s energy transition are gaining momentum under the APAEC 2026-2030 framework. However, women continue to be underrepresented in the energy workforce and leadership, signaling that more action is needed to achieve real inclusion.

Greater attention to gender-disaggregated data and the integration of gender perspectives into energy policy planning has helped reveal these persistent gaps, underscoring the need for more gender-responsive and inclusive strategies across the region. Building on these efforts, throughout March, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), through ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT) and supported by the World Bank, will celebrate International Women’s Day on the 9th of March by spotlighting gender equality in ASEAN’s energy and climate sector.

This month-long campaign aims to:

Raise awareness of the importance of women’s leadership and representation in the ASEAN energy sector.
Strengthen leadership skills and capacity of women professionals and emerging leaders in energy.
Promote dialogue on inclusive energy governance mechanisms, including in energy institutions and programmes.
Support the integration of gender-responsive approaches in advancing a just and inclusive energy transition in ASEAN.

Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

Based on UN Women’s theme of ‘Rights, Justice, Action for #ALLWomenAndGirls’, this year’s IWD campaign calls for concrete action to protect women’s rights, advance justice, and ensure meaningful participation for all women and girls.

Women Navigating Energy Leadership:
Exclusive Interview

H.E. Sharon S. Garin, Secretary of Energy of the Philippines

From her early beginnings in a small town in Iloilo to leading the Philippines’ energy sector, Secretary Garin’s journey highlights the role of education, perseverance, and continuous self-development in shaping effective leadership. Drawing from her multidisciplinary background and years in public service, Secretary Garin shared how women often need to work harder to be heard in a male-dominated field, underscoring that preparation, confidence, and persistence are key to overcoming these challenges.

Puan Mareena binti Mahpudz,
Deputy Secretary General at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation of Malaysia

With nearly a decade of experience in a traditionally male-dominated field, Puan Mareena highlighted the challenges women face in building technical understanding and confidence, emphasising that continuous learning, adaptability, and strong communication are key to success.

Puan Mareena underscored that while the journey can be demanding, women are equally capable of excelling and contributing meaningfully to the energy sector, while also reflecting on the importance of balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

ASEAN Energy Gender Week 2026

Slide right to see our speakers line-up!

Building on the success of the first ASEAN Energy Gender Forum in 2025 in Malaysia, the principle of a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition (JIET) has become an increasingly important consideration within ASEAN energy policy frameworks.

With support from the World Bank, the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), Oxfam and the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT), ACE initiates the establishment of the ASEAN Energy Gender Week (AEGW) on 30 March – 2 April 2026, which featured a series of high-level engagements and policy dialogues with ASEAN stakeholders.

AEGW 2026 featured speakers and experts from both regional and international organisations, fostering dialogue to strengthen ASEAN’s commitment to a more inclusive and equitable energy transition that embeds gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) into energy policies. The event also amplified voices from underrepresented groups, including indigenous communities and persons with disabilities, highlighting their role in shaping energy solutions.

AEGW 2026 Gallery

Publication

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The Gender Equality in ASEAN Energy Booklet Volume III introduces the principles of a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition (JIET), highlighting the strong link between gender equality, social inclusion, and ASEAN’s energy future. Building on previous editions, it reflects the region’s growing commitment to integrating Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into energy policies, aligned with the APAEC 2026–2030 and the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship theme of inclusive growth.

The booklet outlines how JIET can be applied at both national and regional levels, while identifying key challenges and opportunities in mainstreaming inclusivity. It emphasises the need for stronger institutional frameworks, better data systems, and inclusive financing to ensure equitable benefits, ultimately supporting ASEAN’s transition towards a low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive energy future.

E.M.P.O.W.E.R Game: IWD 2026 Celebration at ACE

On 6 March 2026, ACE and ACCEPT II organised the E.M.P.O.W.E.R Game as part of the International Women’s Day 2026 campaign. The session brought together ACErs for an interactive activity celebrating women’s contributions in ASEAN’s energy sector.

Through interactive challenges, participants explored key aspects of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), ACE’s organisational values, and the principles embedded in the ACE Inclusivity Pledge. The activities encouraged teamwork, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, while strengthening participants’ understanding of inclusive practices within the organisation.

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Reels Series: ACErs’ Insights on Rights, Justice, and Action for Women in ASEAN Energy

What does women’s rights in the energy sector mean to you? Are there any examples where just and inclusive practices made a difference in the energy sector? What concrete actions has ACE taken to empower women in the energy sector?

Check out these insights from our ACErs!