#womenenergize Portrait : Nidhi Pant

A dedicated innovator at the intersection of agriculture, gender, and energy access, Nidhi Pant is the Co-Founder of S4S Technologies , a social enterprise based in India ????. Through her work, Nidhi empowers rural communities, creating sustainable solutions that advance energy access and promote gender equality.

Her groundbreaking approach combines technology and social impact to transform agricultural practices, improve livelihoods, and uplift women in underserved regions. Let’s dive into her inspiring story and vision in the #WomenEnergize portrait series!

What is your job and field of expertise?

My role involves expanding our technological solutions to support smallholder women farmers, empowering them to secure a reliable livelihood option and generate additional income. My expertise is in crafting business models that generates positive outcomes for the society, the environment and for the organisation.

Why did you enter the renewable energy sector?

I decided to enter the renewable energy sector as we can create long-term, resilient livelihood opportunities for under-served populations customized to local conditions and conducive to local entrepreneurship and innovations. Access to energy enables opportunities that can help people reduce drudgery, improve productivity, raise incomes, and enhance resilience to external shocks and stresses. The indirect benefits are also multi-fold in terms of improved access to education, health care and information.

Renewable energy solutions offer the opportunity to scale up electricity access in a more inclusive and timely manner, but also enable various tailored delivery models suited to meet the energy needs of diverse livelihoods. The modular nature of the technologies allows them to be scaled down to the level of individual needs; micro, small and medium enterprises; as well as villages. Importantly, renewable solutions tap into locally available energy resources, thus improving energy security and strengthening the resilience of value chains for various products and services when designed with the understanding of local contexts (social, cultural, and environmental).?

What are in your opinion the most important steps for advancing gender equality in the energy sector?

Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the renewable energy sector, establishing businesses as energy producers, distributors and service providers. The urgent need of the hour is to create equitable opportunities for women. This means meeting them where they are and crafting policies, supply chains and products that prioritise their needs.

Are you part of a women’s network and, if yes, which?

Yes, I am part of multiple women’s networks like Women Climate Collective or Ladies Who Lead .

Thank you for the interview, Nidhi! We are honoured to have you on board of Women Energize Women!