Energy Community Secretariat and GIZ launch Women in Energy Photo Contest

The Women in Energy Photo Contest supports women working in the energy sector across Southeast and Eastern Europe by providing a platform to showcase their professional stories, expertise, and contributions through photography. Three winners will receive communication support and funding of up to EUR 500 for professional development or participation in the Just Transition Forum.

Funding Summary

• Funding Programme: Women in Energy Photo Contest
• Organisers: Energy Community Secretariat in cooperation with GIZ
• Funding Focus: Women’s visibility and recognition in the energy sector
• Prize Amount: Up to EUR 500 for each of the three main winners
• Eligible Applicants: Women working in the energy sector in Energy Community Contracting Parties
• Application Format: Photography submission

About the Programme

The Women in Energy Photo Contest provides a platform for women in the energy sector to share their professional experiences, achievements, and contributions through photography.

The initiative aims to increase recognition of women working across Southeast and Eastern Europe’s energy sector by showcasing their diverse roles and creating greater visibility for women professionals in the industry.

Through personal stories and authentic workplace images, the contest seeks to challenge gender stereotypes, highlight inspiring role models, and encourage more women to pursue careers and leadership opportunities in energy.

Objectives of the Programme

The contest aims to:

• Increase visibility of women working in the energy sector.
• Highlight women’s expertise, achievements, and professional journeys.
• Create role models for future generations.
• Promote gender equality within the energy industry.
• Encourage dialogue on workplace and educational changes needed to support women’s participation.

Key Focus Areas

Showcasing Women’s Professional Stories

Participants are encouraged to submit photographs that represent:

• Their daily work environment.
• Professional experiences.
• Career journeys.
• Contributions to the energy sector.

The photographs should provide an authentic representation of women’s roles and achievements.

Promoting Gender Equality in Energy

The initiative supports efforts to:

• Challenge traditional gender stereotypes.
• Increase awareness of women’s contributions.
• Encourage greater participation of women in energy-related careers.

Supporting Professional Development

Winning participants will receive opportunities to strengthen their professional visibility and access development opportunities through partner networks.

Prize Details

The three main prize winners will receive:

• Communication and outreach support through Energy Community and GIZ networks.
• Featured interviews.
• Promotion through institutional communication channels.
• Funding support of up to EUR 500.

Winners may choose between:

• Reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses to attend the Just Transition Forum in Podgorica.

OR

• Reimbursement of up to EUR 500 for participation in an energy-related capacity-building training course of their choice.

Eligible Applicants

The contest is open to:

• Women working in the energy sector.
• Applicants with long-term residence in one of the Energy Community Contracting Parties.

Eligible countries include:

• Albania.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Georgia.
• Kosovo.
• Moldova.
• Montenegro.
• North Macedonia.
• Serbia.
• Ukraine.

Photography Requirements

Applicants may submit:

• Up to two photographs.
• Images showing themselves in their real working environment.
• Photographs reflecting their professional story, experience, or journey.

Submitted photographs must:

• Be in JPEG or PNG format.
• Have an ideal minimum resolution of 3000 pixels on the longest side.
• Have a file size of at least 2 MB.
• Be suitable for A3 or A2 printing.
• Be submitted in landscape, portrait, or square format.
• Be either colour or black-and-white.

Application Process

Applicants must submit photographs that clearly represent their connection to the energy sector and demonstrate the personal or professional meaning behind the image.

Submissions should focus on authenticity and provide insight into the applicant’s work, experiences, and contribution to the energy industry.

Selection Considerations

Entries may be assessed based on:

• Authenticity of the photograph.
• Representation of the applicant’s professional journey.
• Connection to the energy sector.
• Ability to inspire and create awareness.
• Quality and suitability of the submitted image.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

• Choose images that tell a meaningful professional story.
• Highlight their role and contribution within the energy sector.
• Use authentic workplace settings.
• Provide a clear connection between the photograph and their experience.
• Ensure images meet technical quality requirements.

Conclusion

The Women in Energy Photo Contest provides women professionals with an opportunity to share their experiences, gain recognition, and inspire future generations in the energy sector. By celebrating women’s contributions through photography, the initiative supports greater visibility, inclusion, and gender equality across Southeast and Eastern Europe’s energy industry