The minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska participated and addressed at the kick-off event of the PULSE project and the Women’s network of EVN Macedonia, whereas she strongly supported the initiative for strengthening gender equality and inclusiveness in the energy sector.
In her speech, the minister emphasized that the energy transition is also a deeply social and economic process, whereas the involvement of women is a key precondition for success.
„Energy is the backbone of the state, and women are its untapped intellectual engine. If we exclude half of the human potential, we are already in an energy deficit”, Bozhinovska stated.
She stressed that a new system cannot be built with old mentality, and that sustainable energy transition requires women whereas decisions are made, projects are led, and resources are allocated.
The minister reminded that the energy sector globally is undergoing the deepest transformation in its history–from decarbonization and digitalization to integration of renewables and smart grids–processes that demand new skills, analytical thinking, innovation and flexibility, precisely the qualities where women can and should play a leading role.
As a significant indicator of progress, Bozhinovska pointed out that for the first time in 2024, the capacity of solar energy in the country surpassed that of hydropower, representing a major success for the green agenda, but also serious engineering and managerial challenge for the distribution grid.
„Modern energy requires leadership that knows how to drive change and a culture that knows to retain talent. Diversity is not a matter of fairness, but a precondition for pragmatic and sustainable solutions “, she emphasized.
The minister also addressed existing barriers to women’s advancement in the sector, noting that they are not the result of a lack of self-confidence, but of outdated corporate models and inflexible systems that fail to recognize and value their leadership skills.
„This should not be seen as an act of kindness toward women, but as a smart business decision. Gender diverse teams bring more innovation, better profitability and improved risk management. If we lose talent, we consciously lose our future”, Bozhinovska said.
She welcomed the commitment of EVN Macedonia, as a signatory of the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), and initiator of the PULSE project, assessing that this program is not „parallel story”, but part of the engine of the sector transformation.
„Sustainable energy requires responsible company, and a responsible company requires leadership that opens doors for the best. PULSE and the EVN Macedonia Women’s network are exactly that–the pulse of the new energy”, the minister highlighted.
At the end, Bozhinovska sent a strong message to young women in energy:
„Do not wait for permission to lead, take your place. Do not silence your ideas, speak them out loud. You are stronger than you think“.
The Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources, as she emphasized, remains open to cooperation with the private sector through the integration of the gender component into all energy strategies and policies.
„Together we pulse forward–we empower women, we strengthen our sector and we lead the energy future“, minister Bozhinovska concluded.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
