Highlighting role models and success stories can inspire and guide women in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) service sector. These strategies foster an inclusive culture that promotes growth and innovation while improving service delivery. The HPMP II program trained 17,000 RAC technicians across India, and an impact assessment revealed valuable insights about women in the sector.
The HCFC Phase Out Management Plan (HPMP) aims to build capacity for leak prevention and effective management of refrigerant gases in the RAC service sector. As per the study conducted by International Institute of Refrigeration less than 10% women registered as a member of national refrigeration associations. In 2017, US refrigeration and air conditioning sector reported women technicians represent only 1.2%, but their existence and percentage in India are unknown. Surprisingly, the impact assessment following HPMP II provided valuable insights.
Although climate is a primary focus, the study revealed women in the service sector, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields like refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC), face numerous challenges, including societal stereotypes, limited access to training, lack of mentorship, inability to work odd hours, and safety concerns.
Formal training through HPMP (indirectly) enabled these women to stay updated with the latest technologies, join a peer network of technicians, and secure jobs with manufacturers who prefer women technicians in their units, thereby improving their livelihoods. The GIZ Proklima program will use these insights to inform future training initiatives under HPMP III, with a focus on inviting and training more women technicians in the field.
Experiences of the participants
“I have been working in the sector for years but didn't realize how much I have missed in terms of environmentally friendly practices and energy-efficient servicing methods. That training has not only enhanced my skills but has also given me the confidence to educate my clients about the environmental impact of their choices."
Ms. Priyanka from Ludhiana is in the air conditioning (AC) service sector for 8 years and attended GIZ Proklima’s RAC service sector training after getting to know about the training through a local service center in Ludhiana. She took part in the RAC training conducted on 9th and 10th February 2020.
“Before attending GIZ Proklima’s workshop on RAC service sector, I was unaware of the impact of refrigerant gases. The intense training has not only given me theoretical knowledge on why not to release refrigerant gases into the environment but also practically taught me how to prevent small gas leakages and perform gas recovery. I strongly feel that I will be able to implement 90% of the knowledge I gained in my fieldwork, and it will enable me to train new technicians around me.”
Ms. Sumati Badaik from Rourkela is in the air conditioning (AC) service sector for around 10 years and owns a workshop named “Laxmi Refrigeration”. She has participated in the RAC training conducted on 5th and 6th November 2019. Some of the technicians from her own workshop also attended GIZ Proklima’s RAC training within the last three years.
