INWIC Showcases Women's Contributions to Cooling Industry at REFCOLD India 2024

The International Network for Women in Cooling (INWIC), in collaboration with UNEP OzonAction, actively participated in REFCOLD India 2024, a premier event held from October 3–5 in Kolkata, India. Organized by the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), the event is recognized as one of Asia's largest exhibitions and conferences dedicated to refrigeration and cold chain technology.

A Platform for Gender Inclusion in the Cooling Sector

A key highlight of the event was the half-day knowledge session, “Women in ‘Cool’ Careers: Her Story of Cooling,” held on October 4. This session celebrated the achievements and potential of women in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) industry and emphasized the importance of gender diversity.

• Dr. Yosr Allouche, Director General of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and an INWIC founding partner, opened the session with a keynote presentation. She discussed the critical role of refrigerant transition in enhancing energy efficiency and combating climate change.
• Ms. Colleen Keyworth, President of INWIC, outlined the network’s initiatives and programmes aimed at supporting and promoting women in the cooling industry.
• Ms. Sonja Wagner, UNEP OzonAction Gender Focal Point and INWIC Board Member, presented UNEP’s global efforts to empower women in the Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) sector.

Spotlight on Workforce Diversity and Collaboration

The speakers collectively emphasized that gender inclusion and diversity in the RAC sector are essential to fostering innovation and addressing critical industry challenges. By integrating varied perspectives and experiences, the sector can drive advancements in energy efficiency, environmental impact reduction, and equitable access to cooling technologies.

The session also featured:

• A presentation by Ms. N. Jayanthi, Chair of the Women in ISHRAE Committee, highlighting the organization’s initiatives for women.
• An interview with Ms. Reema Jogani, a female entrepreneur in the cooling industry, who shared her journey and experiences.
• Two interactive panel discussions exploring strategies to enhance women’s participation and leadership in the RAC sector.

UNEP and INWIC’s Commitment to Gender Equality

Ms. Elisa Rim, UNEP OzonAction Interim Regional Coordinator for South Asia, shared examples of gender mainstreaming activities in South Asia through Multilateral Fund Secretariat-funded projects. These initiatives aim to enhance women's roles in environmental protection and sustainable development.

As a founding partner of INWIC, ISHRAE played a pivotal role in facilitating meaningful engagement at REFCOLD India. Strategic meetings with the “Women in ISHRAE” group fostered collaborations to advance gender inclusion in the RAC sector. These partnerships aim to empower women and encourage their increased participation in the industry.

Advancing Gender Inclusion Beyond REFCOLD India

Building on the momentum of REFCOLD India 2024, UNEP OzonAction and INWIC plan to expand their efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in the cooling sector. These efforts align with broader UN goals to ensure equitable opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender, in environmental protection and sustainable development.

Through initiatives like those showcased at REFCOLD India, UNEP OzonAction and INWIC aim to create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable cooling industry, setting a benchmark for progress in the years to come.