In a groundbreaking achievement for Pakistan’s solar energy sector, a team of five female engineers successfully installed a 24 kW solar system, marking the first time in the country’s history that women have been paid for solar roof installation work. Supported by KfW DEG Impuls and Develop, these engineers—Areeba Rashid, Iman Batool, Farhan Anjum, Muskan Iqbal, and Rahemeen Haider Ali—have now been recognized as official installers for Ladies Fund Energy.
Empowering Women in Pakistan’s Solar Energy Market
This pioneering project is part of the Ladies Fund Energy initiative, which aims to empower female engineers and increase their participation in Pakistan’s energy market. The installation, completed by certified female engineers trained at NED University, included six lithium batteries, making it the first-ever solar roof installation in Pakistan carried out entirely by women.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Dawood Global Foundation (DGF) in partnership with Ladies Fund Energy Pvt. Ltd. The project not only provided hands-on experience for the women but also positioned them as key players in the country’s expanding solar energy market.
Training Future Leaders in Solar Technology
The training of 28 female engineers from NED University was a collaborative effort supported by KfW and Develop. The program offered these women both internship opportunities and practical experience, leading to the successful solar installation at Hussaini Orphanage.
Dr. Mohsin Aman provided internationally recognized training in “Solar Roof Installation” at NED University, while Ladies Fund Energy designed the high-quality solar system specifically for the orphanage. The program’s success has generated significant interest, with 86 additional female engineers waitlisted for future courses. DGF has announced plans to expand this training initiative to include girls from interior Sindh in the next phase.
Expanding Opportunities for Women in Energy Sector
Tara Azra Dawood, CEO of Ladies Fund Energy, highlighted the initiative’s dual purpose: to train and recruit female engineers for Ladies Fund and to position them as influential contributors in the broader solar energy sector. She emphasized the importance of increasing women’s representation in the field to promote a greener and more sustainable Pakistan.
The project received recognition from Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He praised the dynamic female engineers of Karachi for their pioneering work and announced his commitment to further supporting female engineers through training programs at NED University. Wahab also invited Ladies Fund Energy to pitch their tender for the solarization of Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) buildings, signaling a promising future for women in Pakistan’s solar energy industry.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s energy market trends, showcasing the potential for women to play a leading role in the country’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.
Source：tribune.com.pk
