Afshan Mehmood & The Rising World
Afshan Mehmood, an Electrical Engineer and Computer Scientist from Pakistan, is a climate activist, worked with Women in Renewable Energy Pakistan, led public awareness campaigns on climate change, and developed innovative solutions to the energy crisis locally and internationally. Afshan is the founder of The Rising World, a platform promoting sustainability, community development, and climate awareness.
With the Giving Joy grant, Afshan will launch a Solar Energy Awareness and Training Project for young girls in Pakistan. She will conduct three workshops, training approximately 120 girls in the basics of solar energy, panel installation, and hands-on DIY solar projects. Each workshop will include interactive sessions on solar energy fundamentals and live demonstrations using DIY solar kits that participants will assemble themselves.
In addition, the program will feature group discussions on climate action and the role of women in sustainable development. Participants will engage in solar experiments and share their reflections through group presentations. These activities are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire leadership, empowering the girls to become clean energy ambassadors in their communities.
This initiative will bridge the gender gap in STEM by equipping girls with practical solar energy skills. Trained participants will educate their families and peers, fostering a ripple effect in renewable energy adoption.
With each girl expected to share her knowledge with at least 40 others, the project could indirectly benefit over 480 people in its first year. By empowering young girls with technical skills and environmental awareness, Afshan’s project advances Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 7 (Clean Energy), and 13 (Climate Action)—creating a sustainable, women-led movement for change.
