The Shoktikonna Third Cohort Graduation Ceremony, held on 24 November 2025, celebrated a new generation of young women leaders committed to advancing Bangladesh’s sustainable and inclusive energy future. 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 program, 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 via mentorship, recruitment discussions, and collaboration. Their participation reflects a deepening commitment to creating pathways for women participating in the green transition.
Through a Green Skills Summit organized in October, participants had an opportunity to directly engage with key organizations in the sustainable energy sector – 7 companies offered internships to 8 graduates from the cohort.
The formal ceremony began with reflections on the Shoktikonna journey, setting the tone for a day centered on empowerment and collective impact. Partners from the European Union and the World Bank shared their experience working with the program and reaffirmed their support for advancing women's leadership in the energy sector. Industry representatives from leading renewable energy associations and financial institutions also offered remarks underscoring the importance of a diverse and future-ready workforce. Mostafa Al Mahmud, President, BSREA; S. M. Monirul Islam, Deputy CEO & CFO, IDCOL, and Rumana Rashid, Director, BGMEA emphasized the interconnectedness of gender inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth, and highlighted Shoktikonna as a model for strengthening women’s participation in the national energy transition.
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. Their ideas were showcased through a poster exhibition.
Micheal Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh said, The European Union 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. Congratulating the Shoktikonna graduates of 2025, we underline our support for training, combined with real workplace experience, that opens doors to employment and leadership roles in the green economy.
Rudiger Lotz, Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany said in his address, 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.
The program then transitioned into an exciting celebratory segment where Solve-A-Thon winners and top performers were announced. Industry partners joined key guests on stage to present appointment letters to select graduates, symbolizing the program’s role in strengthening employment pathways for young women in the green economy.
