Process of Hackathon

I. Group Making  

Participants are invited to work in groups (from 2 up to 5 people) on a project to address challenges or opportunities at the intersection of gender equality and clean energy.

II. Parallel tracks 

• Parallel tracks include educational workshops and conferences running alongside the hackathon.

• Workshops cover topics such as gender-sensitive approaches in clean energy projects, technology for inclusivity, and effective project management.

III. Project Development

• Groups engage in hands-on project development, using technology and creative problem-solving.

• Emphasis is placed on considering gender-specific factors in the design and implementation of clean energy solutions.

IV. Potential Challenges and Scenarios for a Hackathon Focusing on Gender and Clean Energy

In many parts of the world, women face unique challenges related to energy access and use, impacting their health, economic opportunities, and overall well-being. Integrating gender perspectives into energy projects can ensure that women are included in decision-making processes, leading to more equitable and effective energy solutions. 

A hackathon centered on gender and clean energy could explore challenges such as addressing the gender gap in the clean energy workforce, designing inclusive clean energy technologies, or overcoming barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in the sector. Potential scenarios include developing strategies to increase women's participation in renewable energy projects, creating innovative solutions to improve energy access for women in rural areas. 

V. Hackathon Challenge

• How can we harness the power of clean energy to empower women and create a more equitable and sustainable future? Develop innovative solutions that address gender disparities in the clean energy sector.

VI. Mentorship and Support

• Mentors, including experts in clean energy, gender equality, and technology, provide guidance to the participating groups.

VII. Pitch Preparation

• Groups prepare pitches to present their projects to a panel of judges.

• Presentations should highlight the innovative aspects of the solution, its potential impact on gender equality and clean energy, and the feasibility of implementation. The following activity elaborates on Elevator Pitches as a way for students to communicate their ideas.

Elevator Pitches

• This activity aims to engage participants in communicating their ideas following an elevator pitch activity.

⚒️   Tools | Materials | Resources

Introductory Presentation 

Elevator pitch template

Process

I. Template Exploration  ⏳10 mins

• Provide participants with an elevator pitch template.

• Encourage them to consider specific data, examples, or case studies related to gender equality in Clean Energy.

• Emphasize the importance of presenting a clear and compelling argument within the constraints of an elevator pitch.

II. Sharing and Discussion   ⏳10 mins

• Invite each group to share their elevator pitch with the larger group.

• Facilitate a discussion on the strengths and unique aspects of each pitch.

• Encourage critical feedback and insights.

III. Judging and Recognition ⏳15 mins

A panel of judges evaluates each pitch/project based on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact. Recognition is given not only to the winning projects but also to aspects such as teamwork, inclusivity, and the incorporation of gender perspectives.

IV. Reflection   ⏳5 mins

Conclude the activity with a brief reflection on the importance of gender equality in the Clean Energy transition and the role of higher education in driving positive change.

• A spacious venue with seating arrangements conducive to group collaboration (e.g. a makerspace).

• Projector and screen for workshops and presentations.

• Flipcharts, whiteboards, and markers for brainstorming and planning.

• Notepads, pens, and sticky notes for individual and group note-taking.

• Laptops or devices for project development and research.

• Introductory Presentation for elevator pitch

• Elevator pitch template