Female teacher’s journey in promoting renewable energy-related research and development

“We often heard that sciences and technologies are for men, not only in the industry but also in education and research. I think it is a biased perspective. I have overcome this social mindset and achieved my goal. I want to encourage other women to believe in themselves, chase their dream and inspire other women through showcasing more female role models in the fields.”

Pisey is one of the few women from the rural south to go beyond the barrier of social and cultural norms on women in science to pursue her education and career in science and technology with a full scholarship for her undergraduate and graduate degrees. After graduating, she has been involved in and contributed to various science related works, including education though teaching undergraduate students on science subjects and related research activities, climate change, and sustainable development. She is currently an official in the Scientific Research Department, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

Pisey has grown her keen interest in renewable energy technologies during her school year related to waste management through utilization of bio-digester and continues to involve in various training and workshops.

“I was so impressed when I first learnt about the great potential benefit of biogas used as a source of renewable energy and contributed to all dimensions of sustainable development, including protecting the environment, improving livelihoods and increasing profitability for the farm owner, and generating socio-economic benefits for society,” she said.

Since then, she has continued to be actively involved with UN supported training programs on commercial biogas technologies and proactively put that knowledge into practice. She successfully led various environment and development related projects, including biodigester demonstration project for farmers, engagement of students and academia in climate change-related research, and knowledge-sharing workshop on climate change for university students; and she keeps promoting biogas technologies through disseminating information to her students and community and through R&D works.     

Pisey has always committed and seized the opportunities to pursue her goal and give back to society. Along the way of her journey, there are challenges and obstacles that interrupt her from going after the field she likes. She kept hearing the question: “why do you want to study and work in science and technology-related fields” “the science is not suitable for women,” etc. However, those stereotypes are overcome by trusting in herself, focusing on what she wants, doing her best and showcasing through her work and results.

Pisey is one of the few women working in the education sector and R&D related to science and technology. She has always encouraged and wished to see more women participate in the world of science and play an active role in sustainable society and development.

“I think now there are more people and women interested in science as there are broad information and easier ways to communicate, unlike around ten years ago, and the adversity situation also has an upside.”    

“I want women to believe in herself, stand strong for what she wants, play leader role, and be a role model for other young girls and ladies in her community; society has to acknowledge and is willing to hone the essential role of women in education, especially for her children and her own family;  and we at all levels, from peers to government and development organizations, to create a more enabling environment for women to spark their interest and chase their dreams in science and technology, such as through providing scholarships, funding for research, and more importantly, social support to relieve household chores so that women could have their times for study, networking and job as men.”      

Pisey participated in a biogas training series organized by the UN program "Reducing GHG emission through the promotion of commercial biogas plants" The program aims to build national capacity in commercial biogas technology to assist Cambodian agri-business in meeting environmental requirements for waste management and GHG emission reductions while utilizing produced bioenergy for production.