Dhaka: The European Union and Germany have praised Bangladesh's young women leaders driving the country's green transition, highlighting the growing impact of female leadership in sustainable energy. This recognition was observed at the Shoktikonna Third Cohort Graduation Ceremony, which celebrated a new generation of young women committed to advancing Bangladesh's sustainable and inclusive energy future, as stated in a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the event, EU Ambassador in Dhaka, Micheal Miller, expressed pride in collaborating with Shoktikonna to bolster skills, confidence, and leadership among women. He emphasized that these efforts contribute to creating a more equal, innovative, and sustainable Bangladesh. Ambassador Miller also congratulated the Shoktikonna graduates of 2025, underscoring the EU's support for training that, combined with real workplace experience, opens doors to employment and leadership roles within the green economy.
German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Rudiger Lotz, reiterated the commitment to a feminist transformation of the energy sector, advocating for women to have a seat at decision-making tables and lead in both public and private institutions. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a three-month leadership journey aimed at nurturing technical skills, confidence, and professional pathways for women in the green economy.
The Shoktikonna Leadership Cohort serves as a platform dedicated to empowering young women aspiring to establish careers in Bangladesh's sustainable energy sector. Now in its third iteration, over 100 young women from STEM and related fields have graduated from the program, contributing to renewable energy, clean technologies, and sustainability-driven industries.
The third cohort received support from the European Union in Bangladesh, German Development Cooperation, and the World Bank, and was implemented by GIZ Bangladesh and Devtale Partners. More than 20 partner organizations, including private-sector companies, academic institutions, and development partners, participated through mentorship, recruitment discussions, and collaborative initiatives, reflecting a deepening commitment to creating pathways for women in the green transition.
During a Green Skills Summit organized in October, participants engaged directly with key organizations in the sustainable energy sector. Seven companies offered internships to eight graduates from the cohort. Partners from the European Union and the World Bank shared their experiences working with the program and reaffirmed their support for advancing women's leadership in the energy sector. Industry representatives from leading renewable-energy associations and financial institutions also highlighted the importance of a diverse and future-ready workforce.
The cohort also participated in a Solve-a-thon competition, where participants selected case studies from Bangladesh's energy landscape and designed creative, practical solutions. Three winning teams were awarded and their ideas showcased through a poster exhibition.
The Shoktikonna initiative aims to empower women in STEM and leadership roles within Bangladesh's green transition. Since its inception, it has created an ecosystem where young women gain the technical expertise, mentorship, and professional networks necessary to lead in sustainable industries, the release noted.