QAZAQ GREEN. Gender equality and other aspects must be taken into account in the energy sector and energy transition. Julia Shamis, an expert at Hay Consulting Group, told about this at the III International Business Festival Qazaq Green Fest 2024 during the session: "Issues of gender policy and training in a fair transition".

This session, which was led by Lazzat Ramazanova, Deputy Chairman of the National Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was held with the support of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Kazakhstan within the framework of the regional project of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) "Capacity development in the field of climate policy in the countries of South-East Asia and Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia" (CDCP) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection of Germany.

The speakers of the session were Gaukhar Nursha, a specialist on gender issues of the United Nations Development Program in Kazakhstan, Ainur Sospanova, Chairman of the Board of Qazaq Green, Yerlik Karazhan, Director of the ESGQ rating agency, Ramazan Zhampiissov, Adviser to the Director General of the Ecoger Association, Kyzzhibek Ryszhanova, founder and CEO of Smart ReEnergy, Dr. Max Eirikh, Director of the Kazakh-German Institute for Sustainable Development, Lyazzat Akhmurzina Executive Director of the Kazenergy Association and Yuliya Shamis, an expert of Hay Consulting Group.

Yuliya Shamis, an expert at Hay Consulting Group, believes that in the energy sector and energy transition, it is necessary to take into account issues of gender equality and other aspects, such as the health of women and future generations, the development of science and innovation, as well as the creation of opportunities for work and economic growth. These five goals can interact for the overall development of society.

"Many companies conduct sustainability assessments, and questions about women in leadership positions are usually included in this assessment. However, some companies refer to existing legislation and labor codes, believing that this is enough for them. It is important to understand that gender equality issues require not only compliance with laws, but also the creation of a framework that will support equal opportunities for all.

To illustrate this idea, we can recall an example of the fight against smoking. Previously, the possibility of smoking indoors was a discussed and debated topic until clear rules and restrictions were established, which were accepted by all members of society. Similarly, gender equality issues require the creation of clear frameworks and mechanisms that will be accepted by all and implemented by all," Yuliya Shamis said.

The speaker told about a case at work when one of the employees, who had a child with special needs, was not informed about the additional opportunities provided by the law. Moreover, the woman was afraid that this, in some way, would negatively affect her.

"This was an example of how it is necessary to ensure transparency and understanding of gender equality issues in the workplace. In the context of energy transition, women can make a significant contribution due to their flexibility and adaptability. Building a flexible and adaptive energy system is a key element of energy transfer. Thus, gender mainstreaming and the involvement of women in the decision-making process can contribute to the successful implementation of energy projects and the achievement of sustainable development," the speaker noted.