SARIC Rising Tide

ABOUT SARIC S ARIC, the South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity is a five year program that supports the overall objectives of the Australian government in deepening and supporting economic linkages, regional prosperity and inclusive growth across its member countries: Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It is funded by the Australian government through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and maintains a specific focus on the energy and transport sector. SARIC builds on Australia’s longstanding investment in South Asian infrastructure and trade facilitation, and their well-earned reputation for innovation in infrastructure policy, including asset recycling and public-private partnerships. The program makes Australian expertise available to the region in engineering, construction, finance, public-private partnership, public policy and law—reflecting the increasing importance of South Asia in the global economy, and the potential for Australian expertise and enterprise to contribute to the region’s growth. SARIC is implemented by The World Bank, IFC and Palladium. The World Bank and IFC assist host governments in preparing a pipeline of transport and energy projects that are eligible for public and/or private financing and improve efficiency and cooperation between the countries in the region. Palladium implements the Training and Networking services component of the program, which seeks to train and connect individuals and institutions from the public and private sectors to contribute to improved regional cooperation and effective markets. 62 a rising tide : women , voices , and power 63 about wepower ABOUT WEPOWER T he South AsiaWomen in Power Sector Professional Network (WePOWER) is a voluntary women’s professional network in the Energy and Power Sector in South Asia that supports women’s participation in energy projects and institutions, and promotes normative change regarding women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The Network contributes to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy). Founded in 2019, with more partners joining the network every year. WePOWER is supported by the South Asia Gender and Energy Facility (SAGE) at the World Bank, which serves as the interim-secretariat, with generous funding from the South Asia Regional Trade Facilitation Program (a DFAT program) and Energy Sector Management Assistant Program. WePOWER works with a wide range of stakeholders in the energy sector, including technical universities, private- sector companies, professional associations, multilateral financial organizations, bilateral agencies, and civil society organisations. Partners and members focus on 5 key pillars, including STEM Education; Recruitment, Personal and Professional Development opportunities; Retention; and Policy and Institutional Change—all aimed at actively developing and encouraging the professional growth of women. WePOWER is an important partner in helping develop and deliver the SAR100 program, selecting and recommending participants from the seven participating countries.