The African Power Girls Rising session focuses on addressing persistent gender gaps in the sustainable energy sector across fourteen member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Targeting girls and young women aged 14–24, the session highlights the importance of inspiring and empowering the next generation to explore careers in sustainable energy by showcasing diverse role models, career pathways, and opportunities within the sector.

Through examples of engaging web and social media initiatives, the session will demonstrate how storytelling and digital platforms can make energy careers more visible, relatable, and accessible to young audiences. It will also provide a space to amplify the voices and experiences of women working in sustainable energy, offering practical insights into entry points and professional development pathways.

At its core, the session addresses deeply rooted gender stereotypes and misconceptions that have historically limited girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and energy-related fields, as well as barriers faced by early-career women. By exploring strategies to overcome these challenges, the session contributes to advancing more inclusive participation and a gender-responsive energy transition across the region.

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