The USAID Power Distribution Programme, in collaboration with the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) organised an interactive session for Islamabad College for Girls F-6/2 on gender and effective energy saving habits at home and the workplace. Female officers from Iesco delivered lectures to the Girls' college students.
The agenda of the talk was to educate female students about the USAID Power Distribution Project, the role and responsibilities of power distribution companies in general and Iesco in particular. The forum had a lively discussion with students regarding the project and its current contribution to the electric distribution organisations in Pakistan. Sadaf Rasheed, Engineer/ Assistant Manager, Iesco, spread awareness in students about the functioning of the power sector and other DISCOs, while Aamena Rizwan, Assistant Manager HR, and Iesco, further elaborated upon the topic by focusing on the role of Islamabad Electric Supply Company.
The highlight of the event was to inform students and teachers about effective energy saving habits that can be adopted in homes, schools and workplaces. Masooma Rafiq, Assistant Manager Revenues, Iesco, engaged the young ladies by discussing the need for every individual to contribute to energy conservation in Pakistan.
The female students, mostly in their final year of bachelors, were also informed by Qurat ul Ain, Project Manager Associate, and USAID Power Distribution Programme Gender Strategy Lead about female job opportunities and various internships in the power sector. While being educated about 'The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act of 2010', the students were encouraged to join the energy sector female workforce.
The talk proved to be a great success and was attended by over 300 students. Similar talks will be held at more women's education institutes in Islamabad in January. After its success in Islamabad, the USAID Power Distribution Programme plans to hold similar informative sessions at various female colleges in cities across Pakistan.