South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) is an AUD $32 million initiative funded by the Australian Government. SARIC supports the overall goal to deepen economic linkages and support regional prosperity and inclusive growth. The opportunities under SARIC will support in enabling more, better-quality and socially inclusive connectivity infrastructure in South Asia, with a focus on the energy and transport sector. SARIC countries include Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) together support partnerships, financing, and policy to advance programs with governments and the private sector in South Asia.
Led by Palladium, the training component delivers targeted & curated capacity building interventions for government, private & academia from the infrastructure sector. Networking both within South Asia and between South Asia and Australia enables in creating an ecosystem of energy & transport sector peers who engage which each other.
Led by Adam Smith International, the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team coordinates among the three development partners and ensures the effective and efficient implementation of the approved M&E Framework.
SARIC is one of the many initiatives of the Government of Australia through which its commitment to social inclusion is articulated in its national and international development engagements.
The Australian Government is working closely with regional partners by stepping up renewable energy investment and climate and disaster resilience support through their development program.
Women, Voices, and Power
When you first meet Rosaleena Rafique, she seems reserved, shy. But, spend a little more time with her, and the passion she has for her career and the importance of self-belief is palpable. Infectious, even!
Asha Khanal is no stranger to breaking down barriers. An electrical engineer with the Nepal Electricity Authority, she’s been holding on her own in a male dominated field ever since graduating from Nepal’s University of Tribhuvan.
Faria Pushpo is passionate about women’s education, and always hungry to learn more. An engineer with Bangladesh’s West Zone Power Distribution Company, her academic accolades are already impressive: undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology.
Yoosuf on SAR-100: “It’s Important to Have Each Other’s Backs | For Fathmath Fizna Yoosuf, SAR-100 taught her that when women support and empower other women, anything is possible.
Nadia Karim is the first to stand up and speak out for women’s education and training. A Planning Engineer, Nadia currently works as Assistant Manager (Tech) GSO for Pakistan’s Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (known locally as HESCO). An electric distribution company, HESCO supplies electricity to Pakistan’s southern districts.
