The needle is not moving on gender diversity in renewables field

Building on almost six years of studies, this IRENA research shows just how little progress has been made

An IRENA report that finds women hold 32% of full-times jobs in the global renewables sector, confirms that this number has not changed since 2019 when the Agency first analysed the sector’s gender diversity statistics.

Building on the previous study, the second edition of Renewable Energy: A Gender Perspective provides a comprehensive assessment of women’s participation in the renewable energy workforce and the barriers they face.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera: “Behind every solar panel installed, every wind turbine constructed and every clean cooking stove delivered is a story – and too often, that story is missing the voices of women.

“Women are the backbone of communities, and are often the first to feel economic shocks and the weight of energy poverty. Yet they remain under-represented in design, deployment and decision-making processes related to renewable energy systems,” said La Camera.

“When narrowly defined as direct employment in manufacturing, operations and installation, women’s participation in renewable energy drops to 25%. When broadened to include project development, services, research, and education, the share rises to 32%,” says the report.

The IRENA data analysis shows, when narrowly defined as direct employment in manufacturing, operations and installation, women’s participation in renewable energy drops to 25%. When broadened to include project development, services, research and education, the share rises to 32%.

When it comes to renewables sector:

• jobs are highly concentrated in administrative roles, at 45% of female employment in the sector;
• women make up 36% of non-STEM technical positions such as legal roles;
• only 28% of STEM related roles (including engineers, data scientists, and technical specialists, for example) are filled by women;
• women occupy 22% of medium-skilled jobs such as solar installation and construction;
• 26% of middle managers are female; and
• only 19% of senior managers or board members are female.

• Gender diversity means greater inclusion and better business practices

  The IRENA Director-General says advancing gender equality in the renewable energy sector depends on robust data, targeted policy interventions and active collaboration of all stakeholders.

  “Our analysis is the only of its kind to fill this knowledge gap. Unfortunately, despite performing better than in fossil fuel industries, little progress has been made. The sector still has a lot of work to do. To realise the energy transition’s full potential, women must be recognised as equal partners and leaders in shaping the renewables-based future.”

  The report shows that the lack of gender balance in the sector stems from systemic barriers that persist at every stage of professional development. “The under-representation of women in renewable energy is not due to a lack of interest or ability but is the result of systemic barriers at multiple levels.” Women continue to

• face bias and cultural stereotypes when they join the workforce;
• cope with growing challenges in balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities throughout their careers; and
• confront discriminatory practices and glass ceilings that hinder advancement into leadership positions.

The report gives examples and statistics on each barrier then calls for both top-down and bottom-up strategies, as well as cross-cutting initiatives to overcome these barriers. Governments should enforce laws on non-discrimination, equal pay and access to education, while embedding gender equality into climate and energy policies.

Employers must introduce flexible work arrangements, transparent recruitment and promotion practices, mentorship opportunities, and safe, as well as respectful workplaces. Educational institutions, trade unions, civil society and international organisations also have a critical role in dismantling stereotypes, expanding opportunities and holding institutions accountable.

Cover photo:  onlykim©123rf