In early November, Bishkek hosted a political dialogue titled “Women in Water and Energy,” bringing together female leaders and experts from five Central Asian countries. The event marked a continuation of the Green Central Asia program, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation on climate, environmental protection, and security. In a region facing mounting ecological challenges, the message was both clear and ambitious: sustainable development and environmental stability are impossible without the active participation of women.
Water, Energy, and Climate — Three Dimensions of a Shared Challenge
Central Asia is increasingly affected by climate change: water scarcity, droughts, declining crop yields, and growing energy dependence are reshaping the region’s development landscape. In this context, cross-border cooperation is not merely desirable — it is essential for conflict prevention and climate adaptation.
Dr. Caroline Milow, Program Manager for Green Central Asia / Climate Impact-Oriented Water Resource Management in Central Asia at GIZ, emphasized the pivotal role women play in this process:
“We, as women, must not simply acquire the skills of communication, leadership, and activism — we must do so systematically, with a solid educational foundation, and by learning from successful examples, including those demonstrated by men. Without these tools, it is impossible to achieve real and lasting change in the management of water resources and energy.
“When we speak of gender equality, it is first and foremost about economic resilience — not philosophy or abstract ideals. It’s about access to opportunities, equal participation in decision-making, and the ability of women to influence the development of sectors that are critical to the region’s future. Equality is not a slogan; it is a practical mechanism that strengthens innovation, sustainability, and effectiveness in the face of climate and social challenges.”
Women as Drivers of Change: Country Highlights
Participants shared concrete examples from their respective countries, illustrating how women are already shaping the future of the water and energy sectors.
Kazakhstan. Ainara Aidynkyzy, a young expert from the Department of Renewable Energy, highlighted the active development of women-led professional associations such as the Women for Just Transition Committee and the KazEnergy Women’s Energy Club. These organizations not only expand opportunities for women in the energy transition but also foster an inclusive, skilled, and resilient professional community where female leadership becomes part of systemic solutions.
She also emphasized that Kazakhstan has set ambitious targets to increase the share of energy generated from renewable sources: from the current 7.1% to 15% by 2030 and up to 50% by 2050. Achieving these goals requires not only technological investment but also human capital. Currently, around 2,000 specialists work in the sector, and while the proportion of women is gradually increasing, their presence in leadership positions remains limited. According to Ainara, it is essential not only to involve women but also to create conditions for their career advancement, participation in strategic planning, and decision-making in order to ensure a truly sustainable energy transition.
Kyrgyzstan. GIZ and other international organizations are implementing projects aimed at engaging women in energy, sustainable development, and water resource management — particularly in rural and mountainous regions. This focus is no coincidence: high poverty levels in remote areas remain a serious challenge. Women often bear the primary responsibility for supporting their families, face limited access to resources, and are the first to experience the impacts of climate change — from water shortages to unreliable energy supply. Their involvement in environmental and educational initiatives has become a key factor in strengthening the resilience of local communities.
Against this backdrop, the contrast with urban dynamics is especially striking. In Bishkek, women’s leadership is showing confident growth. As noted by the World Bank Country Director for Kyrgyzstan, 32% of enterprises in the capital are led by women, and they do so with quality, responsibility, and a high degree of resilience. This figure not only challenges gender stereotypes — it affirms that women are capable managers, innovators, and builders of sustainable business models.
Tajikistan. Women are increasingly involved in water resource management and energy, despite persistent barriers. They work in hydropower plants and technical departments, challenging gender stereotypes and demonstrating their competence in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Under the National Strategy for Enhancing the Role of Women (2021–2030), their participation in glacier research, water security, and energy is being actively expanded as part of the country’s broader climate resilience efforts. These measures reflect a growing recognition that women’s leadership is essential not only for equity, but for the effectiveness of environmental governance.
International forums, national strategies, and grassroots initiatives are reinforcing this momentum. One such example is the rise of Green Patrols — a youth-led environmental movement in Tajikistan that was highlighted during the Bishkek dialogue. These patrols mobilize young people, including many young women, to raise awareness about climate change, promote sustainable practices, and engage local communities in protecting natural resources. Through educational campaigns, clean-up actions, and advocacy, Green Patrols are helping to build a culture of environmental responsibility from the ground up.
Uzbekistan. The energy sector in Uzbekistan employs approximately 130,000 people, yet women represent only 15% of the workforce. Recognizing this imbalance, the government has set an ambitious target to double the share of women to 30%. This commitment goes beyond the pursuit of gender equality — it reflects a strategic vision for building a more innovative, inclusive, and resilient energy sector.
Increasing women’s participation is not just a social imperative; it is an economic and environmental necessity. Diverse teams bring broader perspectives, foster creative problem-solving, and enhance the sector’s capacity to respond to complex challenges such as climate change and energy transition. While progress is underway, structural barriers remain — including limited access to technical education, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and persistent gender stereotypes.
Building a Network of Women’s Leadership
Across the region, institutional mechanisms are emerging to support women in water and energy. Among them is the Women in Water Diplomacy Network, founded in 2017, which now includes over 6,000 members. It promotes knowledge exchange, trust-building, and new approaches to managing transboundary water resources.
Another key platform is GWNET — the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition. This international network connects women working in energy, offering mentorship, professional development, and global partnerships. These platforms are not just communication channels — they are spaces for shaping solutions that integrate gender perspectives into sustainable development.
Conclusion: Equality as a Survival Strategy
The political dialogue in Bishkek made one thing clear: women in Central Asia are not merely participants in discussions on water, climate, and energy — they are becoming leaders of change. Their involvement in decision-making strengthens social resilience, fosters regional cooperation, and helps mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.
The path to a “green” Central Asia is impossible without equal participation and the voices of women. This dialogue was not just an event — it was a step toward a future where gender equality is no longer a slogan, but a survival strategy for the region.
by Shoira Toirova
