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With support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa, the NARUC Women in Energy Regulation Internship Program promotes the cause of gender equity within the energy regulatory community.
Women are consistently underrepresented in the energy sector – there are fewer women in oil and gas than almost any other major industry, and on a global scale only 15% of women are in senior management in the power and utilities industry. As a result, taking every opportunity to access training and build the necessary skills for success in the sector is key to gaining an advantage that will set women apart from their male counterparts entering the workforce.
Launched in 2017, the internship program aids in creating opportunities for the advancement and employment of young women in energy regulation by facilitating placements in short-term positions within their country's energy commissions. By completing this program, interns acquire the foundational technical skills, professional experience, and institutional knowledge needed to pursue a career in the sector and become attractive candidates for employment at the host commission, other regulatory agencies, or regulated entities such as electric utilities.
To date, the Kenya Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has hosted six interns, the Tanzania Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has hosted three interns, the Ethiopian Energy Authority (EEA) has hosted two interns, the Electricity Sector Regulation Commission (CRSE) of Senegal has hosted one intern, and the Energy Regulation Board of Zambia (ERB) has hosted four interns, for a total of 16 interns supported by the program.
Following the completion of the program, many participants have expressed interest in pursuing careers in the energy sector. Moreover, EPRA/Kenya has extended the length of three of its internships, and has gone on to hire one intern into a full-time position. The ERB/Zambia has extended the length of one internship, and subsequently offered the intern short-term employment. Additionally, EWURA/Tanzania has gone on to hire one intern into a full-time position.
News
Since 2017, the Women in Energy Regulation Internship Program has partnered with energy regulators from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, and Zambia to place young women in short-term positions within their country's energy commissions. Hear from three interns who worked with Tanzania’s Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA).
Promoting Women's Participation in Energy Regulation: Zambian Interns Tell All
Hear from Women in Energy Regulation Internship Program interns on what they have learned during their time with the Zambia Energy Regulation Board.
This past March, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) of Zambia became the newest host commission to participate in the Women in Energy Regulation Internship Program, organized by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) with funding support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa.
The Impact of the NARUC Women in Energy Regulation Internship Program on Current and Former Interns
To get a closer look at how the NARUC Women in Energy Regulation internship has impacted participants’ personal and professional interests, we sought reflections from both a current and former intern.
Women in Energy Regulation Internship Program Works to Advance Gender Equity in Africa
With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa, NARUC is working to advance the cause of gender equity within the energy regulatory community.
Gender Internship Cultivates Interest in Effective Utilization of Energy
Through the support of USAID's Energy Division and Power Africa, a participant in the Women in Energy Regulation Internship Program is cultivating an interest in conservation and the effective utilization of energy.
Intern in Tanzania Gains Skills in Natural Gas Monitoring
Through the support of USAID’s Energy Division and Power Africa, Anitha Privatus Kaijage is developing skills and knowledge that will further her career in the energy sector via an internship at the Tanzanian regulatory agency.
USAID Supports Intern at Kenyan Energy Regulator to Learn 'Soft Skills' and Reach Career Goals
With the support of USAID and Power Africa, NARUC is advancing gender equity and empowering new women leaders like Margaret through its Women in Energy Regulation Internship Program.
Internship at Kenyan Electricity Regulator Sets Young Woman on Path to Career Success
With assistance from USAID's Energy Division and Power Africa, a young woman in Kenya is pursuing her career goals through NARUC's Women in Energy Regulation Internship program.
Project Dates:
2017- Present
Primary Partners:
Zambia Energy Regulation Board
Kenya Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority
Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority of Tanzania
Electricity Sector Regulation Commission of Senegal
Ethiopian Energy Authority