Skopje, 12 March 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska participated Thursday in an event held by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on occasion of International Women’s Day, under the theme “No Economy Wins Running at Half Capacity: The Economic Power of Gender Equality”.

The event was held in hybrid format at the EBRD headquarters and was opened by the Bank’s President, Odile Renaud-Basso, who underscored that gender gaps directly affect the productivity, resilience, and innovative capacity of economies.

According to the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Minister Sanja Bozhinovska in her address linked the importance of gender equality with the green energy transition, adding that the country is moving toward an ambitious transformation of the energy sector – expanding solar and wind capacity, modernizing the system, and creating a cleaner and more resilient energy framework.

“But this transition must be just and inclusive. Women have a crucial role in shaping this transformation. Greater participation of women in the energy sector – from engineers and entrepreneurs to politicians and executive leaders – encourages innovation and builds more resilient institutions,” Bozhinovska said. 

She stressed that promoting women in the energy sector is not only a matter of equality but a strategic necessity for the success of the green transition.  

“I am proud that the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources is probably one of the few institutions in the country where women are the majority of staff – 78 women compared to 69 men. In a sector traditionally considered ‘male,’ this proves that women are ready and capable of leading,” the Minister said.

Bozhinovska underscored the importance of partnerships with international institutions such as the EBRD for advancing inclusive climate investments. 

Our new Strategy for Gender Equality and Human Capital focuses on areas where these gaps are most visible and where action can bring change: the green transition, the digital economy, and issues of voice and influence. If we want a successful and sustainable energy transition, we must ensure that women not only participate in the sector but also help lead and shape its future,” Bozhinovska said, stressing that the energy transition can only reach its full potential if it is inclusive and if women are leaders in the process of green change.

The Minister stressed that investing in women is not only a matter of fairness, but also a strategic necessity for the future of the energy sector. “When women lead they pave the way for many others, and the whole economy advances,” Minister Bozhinovska said.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources