Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI): Awareness & Fundamentals
To advance Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the energy sector, USAID, through the South Asia Regional Energy Hub (SAREH) program, hosted an online session on Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) on May 21, 2024. This session, titled “Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI): Awareness and Fundamentals,” marked the inaugural part of a three-part CLA series aimed at engaging interested participants, gender & DEI professionals, igniting discussions, and fostering a collective learning experience on the importance of GESI and DEI in the energy sector.
The session aimed to better equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate GESI and DEI into their work. It offered valuable insights into the foundational concepts of GESI and its relevance in the clean energy sector. Discussions focused on topics such as unconscious biases, creating inclusive and intentional workplace policies, and promoting gender equality.
Over 50 stakeholders participated, including USAID energy implementing partners, missions in South Asia, grantees under the SAREP Partnership Fund (SPF), development professionals in the energy sector, and GESI advisors from multilateral organizations.
Ms. Farah Ahmed, Cross-Cutting Lead, USAID’s SAREP, underlined the need to empower the marginalized group with knowledge, tools, and strategies while integrating GESI principles into ongoing and future projects.
Monali Zeya Hazra, Regional Clean Energy Specialist, USAID India, emphasized USAID’s commitment to incorporating GESI into its development programs across South Asia by fostering initiatives like SAWIE and partnering with local NGOs such as Swayam Shiksha Prayog to promote women in entrepreneurship at the ground level.
Dr. Nidhi Prabha, GESI Advisor, SAREP, delivered a theme presentation, including topics such as the fundamentals of GESI, gender representation in the energy sector, GESI frameworks and integration, challenges and opportunities, the business case for gender equity in organizations, and the way forward to social and gender equity.
Shruti Swaroop, DEI expert, founder of Embrace Consulting and International Inclusion Alliance, elaborated on the importance of inclusion, describing it as essential for survival in both society and the workplace. She emphasized that various biases—whether unconscious, affirmative, cognitive, or gender-based—are not natural and can be changed. People perform better when they feel valued.
Key takeaways from the discussion included:
- GESI is not only about women, contrary to common conception. It is about constantly committing to alleviating all forms of ‘involuntary’ social and gender-based exclusion.
- As fewer women join the workforce, it’s crucial to have inclusive workplace policies. We need to see gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) as a mindset, not just a checklist or an extra task.
- When discussing gender equality, we must focus on equity. While equality means treating everyone the same, equity means providing solutions based on individual needs.
- Neuroplasticity has indicated that our ‘mind ‘models’ are not cemented and are open to recalibration.
The inaugural GESI CLA session underscored our collective commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusivity within the South Asian energy sector. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation and integrating GESI-friendly policies, we can accelerate progress towards net zero emissions while creating an inclusive work environment.
The link to the uploaded recording can be found here.
