Kolkata, India, 3 – 5 October 2024
The International Network for Women in Cooling (INWIC) and UNEP OzonAction proudly participated in REFCOLD India 2024, held from 3-5 October in Kolkata, India.
Organized by the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), REFCOLD India is one of the largest exhibitions and conferences in Asia dedicated to refrigeration and cold chain technology. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, manufacturers, suppliers, and policymakers worldwide all focusing on sustainable advancements and practices in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector.
A significant highlight of the event was a half-day knowledge session titled “Women in ‘Cool’ Careers: Her Story of Cooling,” held on 4 October. The session was opened by key-note presentations by Dr. Yosr Allouche, Ph.D., Director General of the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and INWIC founding partner, who provided an insightful overview of the critical nexus of refrigerant transition in the context of energy efficiency and mitigation of climate change.
Ms. Colleen Keyworth, INWIC’s President presented on the network’s various initiatives, programmes, and ongoing efforts to support and promote women in the cooling industry.
Ms. Sonja Wagner, UNEP OzonAction Gender Focal Point and INWIC Board Member gave an overview of UNEP’s global activities and initiatives to empower women working in the Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) sector.
The esteemed speakers collectively emphasized the critical importance of gender inclusion and workforce diversity within the RAC sector. They highlighted how a diverse range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds fosters the development of more sustainable and innovative solutions to the pressing challenges faced by the industry. By harnessing the unique contributions of individuals from all genders, the cooling sector can unlock new levels of creativity, problem-solving, and ultimately, progress in addressing critical issues such as energy efficiency, environmental impact, and equitable access to cooling technologies.
The presentation about Women in ISHRAE by Ms. N Jayanthi, Chair of the Women in ISHRAE Committee, and an interview with Ms. Reema Jogani, a female business owner, was followed by two interactive panel sessions.
Ms. Elisa Rim, UNEP OzonAction Interim Regional Coordinator a.i., South Asia, provided examples of gender mainstreaming activities that are being done through the Multilateral Fund Secretariat-funded projects in the countries of the Regional Network for South Asia.
ISHRAE, as a founding partner of the International Network for Women in Cooling (INWIC), played a crucial role in facilitating INWIC’s engagement at REFCOLD India 2024. ISHRAE provided a valuable platform for INWIC to establish connections with the “Women in ISHRAE” group and its leadership. This strategic meeting fostered enhanced collaboration and synergistic partnerships, enabling both organizations to identify new and innovative avenues for supporting each other’s initiatives. Ultimately, this collaborative effort seeks to empower women, encouraging their increased participation and advancement within the RAC.
Both UNEP OzonAction and INWIC are deeply committed to fostering gender equality and inclusivity within the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. They intend to capitalize on the increased awareness and enthusiasm generated at REFCOLD India 2024 to further advance these crucial objectives. This commitment aligns with broader UN mandates to promote equitable participation and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender, in environmental protection efforts and sustainable development initiatives. By building on the momentum from REFCOLD India 2024, UNEP OzonAction and INWIC aim to translate the event’s energy into tangible actions that create a more inclusive and diverse cooling sector.