There is no denying the fact that women are the backbone of a society as they form the fabric of the family and the community. In Haiti, women are often referred to as poto mitan. Literally, it means ?middle pole?—the pillar of the house. They not only provide the economic and social stability but they also give the basic education to their children who are the future citizen of the country. Today when we all striving hard to save our planet earth, empowerment of women seems to be most pertinent in tackling with global warming.

Women have better understanding of the harmful effects of climate change than their male counterparts especially in the developing countries as they arrange food and water for the family—but because agriculture has been gravely affected by climate change, these resources are becoming scarce and difficult to attain.

The health consequences of power shortage, and subsequent reliance on other sources of energy can be damaging, especially for women, cooking fuels like kerosene produces fumes that cause chronic respiratory illnesses for women.

This was one of the conclusions reached by the United Nations Environment Programme report in 2011.

Experts also feel that there is a need for more women in the sustainability sector. Empowering women, will, without a doubt, equip them with the ability to take on an active and participatory role in advancing sustainable development and addressing climate change concerns.

UAE is leading towards the empowerment of women. High number of women are enrolled in the fields related to environment. UAE women constitute 66 per cent of the public sector workforce, 30 per cent of which are senior decision makers.

On January 18^th, UAE is holding its eight Zayed Future Energy Prize Award Programme. The award celebrates significant achievements in renewable energy and sustainability by recognising, rewarding and inspiring some of the most visionary and innovative leaders in these fields.

 The Zayed Future Energy Prize, established in 2008 by the United Arab Emirates Government, honours the vision of the late founding father and president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who championed environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The US$4 million annual award invites innovators from around the world to be part of a growing community, committed to finding solutions that will meet the challenges of climate change, energy security and the environment.

Out of 29 finalists two finalists Nigerian Green Energy and Biofuels company and Kopernik of Indonesia have played a significant role towards empowerment of women in the field of sustainability of the environment.

Green Energy and Biofuels produces ethanol-based cooking fuel from biomass waste products and has provided sources of income for women in Africa thereby creating positive health and environmental benefits for users.

Green Energy and Biofuels currently includes 25,000 women entrepreneurs across 1,700 communities.

 Kopernik a non-profit organisation provides green technology solutions to people in remote areas by relying on innovative product distribution, development and finance.Since its launch in 2010, Kopernik has reached 24 countries, helping 700 women to receive training on business development and maintenance of its technologies.

 Kopernik helps to empower women to become micro-social entrepreneurs by selling clean energy products in their communities.  

To conclude, it is heartening to see the companies and communities and countries coming together to give substantial role to women in contributing towards the sustainability of the environment.

Credits—Gulf News, zayedfutureenergyprize.com