Celebrating Earth Month 2025: Women Holding the Line & Taking Action to Protect the Earth

As we celebrate Earth Month 2025, SEforALL is excited to spotlight women leaders who are driving change in both the energy sector and gender equality. This Earth Month, let us celebrate the intersections of sustainability, innovation, and gender equality in the name of the theme ‘Our Power, Our People’. By empowering women in the clean energy sector, we not only pave the way for a more sustainable future but also for a more inclusive and resilient world.

Today, we share the journey and work of Camille Andre-Bataille, CEO & Co-Founder of ANKA, and a passionate advocate for sustainable energy and the empowerment of women and young people.

Background and Journey

I am Camille ANDRE-BATAILLE, a French entrepreneur based in Madagascar. My academic background is in fundamental sciences, renewable energy, sustainable development, and finance. I began my professional journey in Paris within the finance sector before transitioning to the clean energy field—a move that has defined my career ever since. In 2016, I founded ANKA, where I now serve as CEO.

Empowering Women Through Energy

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and young people are at the heart of my work. As a woman entrepreneur, I built ANKA with the desire to contribute to the fight for women's rights. With this commitment in mind, I am very proud that 65% of ANKA's management committee are women, and 40% of our employees are women. As for our impact outside the company, we champion the slogan, "Energy paves the way.” I am convinced that access to energy, through green mini-grids, can contribute to the emancipation of women and young people by powering their entrepreneurial ventures and complementary activities.

On an international scale, I frequently attend events and conferences around the world, using my voice to promote gender inclusion within the clean energy industry. This global engagement inspired the creation of the hashtag #EnergyQueen.

Highlighting an Impactful Initiative: The Agrigrid© Approach

While many ANKA projects have been impactful, the Agrigrid© approach stands out as a significant milestone in our efforts. This innovative agri-energy nexus business model is designed with a gender focus, aiming to boost rural economies, increase rural electricity consumption, and enhance the financial viability of mini-grid investments. On top of that, it empowers women by encouraging them to manage agri-processing units through women’s associations. I find it no coincidence that our approach won an ARE award in 2020, underscoring its success and transformative impact!

The Pressing Challenge: Public Policy and STEM Education

One of the most pressing challenges in encouraging women’s participation in the clean energy sector is rooted in public policy. Without proactive measures from governments—such as encouraging young girls to pursue advanced studies in STEM fields—the sector will continue to see a low representation of women in technical roles. The sector needs qualified women!

Advice for Aspiring Women in Sustainable Energy

For women who aspire to build a career in sustainable energy, my advice is simple: ask for help. There are too few women in the energy sector, and it is essential that we support one another. As women, we are often expected to deliver excellence at all times to be respected in the sector, and asking both women and men for help can make a significant difference. Yes, it takes courage, but the outcomes are undeniably rewarding.