The contribution of women to the renewable energy sector is significant and spans various levels, from grassroots to executive leadership positions. In homes and communities, women play a crucial role in adopting technologies such as solar and biogas systems, which serve as sustainable and cost-effective energy sources. This involvement also helps in instilling the importance of energy in children from an early age.
Despite a growing demand for new and talented individuals, there is still a gender gap and underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. According to a UNESCO report from 2021, women comprise only 28% of engineering graduates, 40% of computer science graduates, and 22% of artificial intelligence specialists.
On the other hand, while women continue to be underrepresented at the corporate level, there is a positive shift with companies making deliberate efforts to manage gender diversity more proactively. The increasing acceptance of STEM fields has provided women with opportunities to contribute their unique perspectives to technical decision-making in the energy sector. Achieving a more balanced gender representation in this sector would not only enhance the pool of talent but also lead to more innovative solutions for energy-related challenges.
In addition to creating employment opportunities, the renewable energy sector is enabling women to establish businesses as technicians and equipment installers. There are also notable instances of women taking on leadership roles in policy-making and governance to prioritize clean energy. For example, Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) has women in top leadership positions and even more women representation involved in various community projects as Liaison Managers.
Encouraging girls to pursue courses in STEM fields could further improve the representation of women in the energy sector. Companies in the renewable energy industry can serve as examples in promoting gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, thus contributing to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is essential for companies in male-dominated fields such as Technology, Architecture, Engineering, and Energy to invest in the growth of women by implementing organizational strategies that support gender diversity. A sustainable future should involve women in traditionally male-centric technical roles, such as project Quantity Surveyor, Roller Operator, and Operations Dispatch Operator, among others.
As the energy sector continues to embrace gender diversity, the significance of diverse voices in policy, governance, and technical areas becomes increasingly evident. The involvement of women in these domains fosters better innovation, which is crucial for creating a sustainable future.