WePOWER National Chapters Business Meeting hosted by 𝐖𝐞𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 - 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 was held at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) supported by Yunus Center AIT (YCA) on January 30-31, 2025, bringing together representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration, sustainable funding models, and expanding capacity-building programs for women in energy.

Key discussions led by national focal points covered membership governance, funding models, and capacity-building initiatives. The SAR100 program and the newly launched WePOWER Alumni Network were recognized as key initiatives to support mentorship, job placements, and leadership development. National chapters also explored ways to enhance STEM outreach, expand technical training programs, and strengthen engagement with universities and energy organizations.

Prof. Faiz H. Shah, Executive Director of Yunus Center AIT  (YCA) and a WePOWER Steering Committee member, emphasized the need for national centers to align with regional needs, ensure financial sustainability, and leverage national resources for long-term impact.
He highlighted the importance of a value-driven membership model, cross-country knowledge exchange, and an entrepreneurial approach to funding by tapping into national financial opportunities beyond international donors.

Together, the WePOWER network continues to drive efforts to enhance women’s participation in South Asia’s energy sector and foster transformative change for women in STEM.