#

Women in Energy

GRIDCON 2025 | Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

Powering the Future Together

Celebrating Women in Energy at GRIDCON 2025

As part of the prestigious GRIDCON 2025, a special event titled “Women in Energy” was held on March 11, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

This dedicated session wasn’t just a celebration of the incredible contributions of women in the power sector—it was a powerful call to action for greater inclusion, leadership, and equity in the energy transition journey.

Bringing together a diverse gathering of visionaries and changemakers, the session welcomed esteemed delegates from CPSEs, private organizations, academic institutions, and international bodies like the World Bank.

Plenary Session 1

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Advancing Gender Equality in the Power Sector

Focusing on the movement of intent, action, and inspiration. Moderated by Ms. Mandakini Kaul, The World Bank Group.

Plenary Session 2

The Power of Women: Modernization and Innovation in the Energy Landscape

Exploring how gender inclusion accelerates technological and social transformation. Moderated by Ms. Surbhi Goyal, The World Bank Group.

Advancing Gender Equality in Power Sector

Moderated by Ms. Mandakini Kaul (South Asia Regional Coordinator, The World Bank Group), the panel opened with a powerful insight: While India leads in engineering graduates, only 32% are women—and even fewer rise to leadership in technical roles.

Excerpts from this session:

Dr. Tripta Thakur

Chairperson, NPTI, Faridabad

“We don’t want reservation—we want recognition based on capability.”

“Training builds confidence, and confidence builds leaders.”

Ms. Amanda Olson

VP, Burns & McDonnell, USA

“A mentor guides you—a sponsor fights for you when you’re not in the room.”

“Don’t wait to be picked. Be visible, and ask for what you deserve.”

Ms. Bani Varma

Director (IS & P), BHEL

“Managerial intent matters more than policies. We must ask, not assume.”

“Don’t set women up to fail—handhold and equip them to succeed.”

Ms. Rashmi Govil

Director, Indian Oil (IOCL)

“The real test of inclusivity is who rises to the top.”

“We don’t just frame policies—we challenge bias with data.”

💡 Closing Reflection:

  • Inclusion must be designed, not incidental
  • Equal opportunity must be met with equal accountability and outcome
  • Mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership intent are non-negotiable
  • The demonstration effect of role models is vital
Words for the Vision Board:
Resilience Aspire Empower Self-belief Ask Network

Modernization & Innovation in Energy

Moderated by Ms. Surbhi Goyal (Senior Energy Specialist, The World Bank Group), the session highlighted that modernization in the energy sector cannot succeed without the full and equal participation of women.

Excerpts from this session:

Dr. Ritu Mathur

Climate Policy Expert, TERI

“The energy transition isn’t just technical—it’s a social transformation.”

“Women must believe they are leaders of innovation.”

Prof. Rachana Garg

HOD, DTU (formerly DCE)

“Skill defines success—not gender.”

“Maths and machines aren't just for boys.”

Ms. Sangeeta Kaushik

Executive Director, NTPC

“Women must be in the driver’s seat of the growth engine.”

“Ask for the opportunity. You’re worth the investment.”

Ms. Manisha Shukla

Hitachi Energy

“Stop chasing equality—claim your space with competence.”

“We’re already CEOs of our homes. Bring that to workplace.”

Ms. Vibha Gupta

Smart Grids, Siemens

“Digitalization is the great equalizer. The time is now.”

“If you don’t find a seat at the table, build your own.”

Ms. Rishika Sharan

Chief Engineer, CEA

“Women on site are the new normal.”

“I launched ‘Lineman Diwas’ to celebrate women on frontlines.”

The energy transition is no longer just about grids and gigawatts—it’s about courage, collaboration, and claiming space.

GRIDCON 2025 Highlights