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Women in the Energy Transition – Networking at the German Embassy in Ankara

On 17th December 2024, the Turkish-German Energy Partnership cooperated with the Green Collar Women Association to organise“Women in the Energy Transition”, an event hosted by the German Embassy in Ankara which brought together representatives from Türkiye, Germany, and beyond to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality in the energy sector.

The event opened with remarks by moderator Lilia Mass, Project Director of the Turkish-German Energy Partnership, who reflected on the Turkish-German Energy Partnership’s longstanding commitment to integrating gender equality into the energy transition, emphasising its role in fostering sustainable and inclusive solutions.

H.E. Sibylle Katharina Sorg, German Ambassador to Türkiye, followed with a thought-provoking welcome address. She highlighted the critical importance of gender equality for achieving sustainable energy systems, emphasising the collaborative efforts of Türkiye and Germany in this regard. Ambassador Sorg spoke passionately about the potential of women to shape the future of energy, calling for stronger support networks, targeted policies, and increased opportunities for women in leadership roles. Her address reflected Germany’s dedication to championing diversity and inclusion in its international partnerships.

The keynote speakers shared perspectives on promoting inclusivity within the energy transition:

  • Ebru Çiçekliyurt, Managing Director for Türkiye at Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, discussed initiatives to foster diversity within the energy sector, drawing on Siemens Gamesa’s experiences as a global leader.
  • Pınar Ersoy, Chief Representative of DZ Bank and President of AHK Türkiye, talked about her personal journey and organisations‘ work to support women entrepreneurs and professionals in the energy industry.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the report “Gender Equality Research in the Turkish Energy Sector: Women’s Employment, Global and Local Dynamics” by Sedef Budak, Founder President of the Green Collar Women Association. The report was produced within the framework of the Turkish-German Energy Partnership and provides a comprehensive analysis of the state of women’s employment in the Turkish energy sector, addressing barriers to equality and proposing actionable steps to advance gender parity. You can find the full report in English and Turkish here.

The event concluded with a networking lunch at the German Ambassador’s residence. This provided participants with the opportunity to deepen connections and explore collaborative efforts in fostering gender equality.