Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) – 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 was observed at the Shoktikonna Third Cohort Graduation Ceremony, held on Monday, celebrated a new generation of young women leaders committed to advancing Bangladesh’s sustainable and inclusive energy future, said a press release here. 

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador in Dhaka Micheal Miller said that the EU is proud to work with Shoktikonna to strengthen skills, confidence, and leadership. 

“These efforts are contributing to a more equal, more innovative, wealthier and more sustainable Bangladesh,” he said. 

Congratulating the Shoktikonna graduates of 2025, he underlined the EU’s  support for training, combined with real workplace experience, that opens doors to employment and leadership roles in the green economy.

“We are committed to a feminist transformation of the energy sector – one where women sit at decision-making tables, shape national priorities, and lead in both public and private institutions,” said German ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rudiger Lotz at the event. 

The ceremony marked the completion of a three-month leadership journey designed to nurture technical skills, confidence, and professional pathways for women in the green economy.

Shoktikonna Leadership Cohort is a platform dedicated to empowering young women aspiring to build careers in Bangladesh’s sustainable energy sector.

Now in its third iteration, more than 100 young women from STEM and related fields have graduated from the programme, many of whom are contributing to renewable energy, clean technologies, and sustainability-driven industries.

The third cohort is supported by the European Union in Bangladesh, German Development Cooperation, and the World Bank, and implemented by GIZ Bangladesh and Devtale Partners.

More than 20 partner organizations, including private-sector companies, academic institutions, and development partners, engaged throughout the cohort through mentorship, recruitment discussions, and collaborative initiatives. Their participation reflects a deepening commitment to creating pathways for women participating in the green transition.

Through a Green Skills Summit organised in October, participants had an opportunity to directly engage with key organisations in the sustainable energy sector. Seven companies offered internships to eight graduates from the cohort.

At the event, Partners from the European Union and the World Bank shared their experience working with the programme and reaffirmed their support for advancing women's leadership in the energy sector.

Industry representatives from leading renewable-energy associations and financial institutions also spoke, underscoring the importance of a diverse and future-ready workforce. 

The cohort also engaged 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, with 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, Shoktikonna has created an ecosystem where young women gain the technical expertise, mentorship, and professional networks necessary to lead in sustainable industries, said the release.