How can female energy experts and their contribution to the upcoming societal transformation be strengthened in the course of the energy transition? The study was dedicated to this central question. The aim is to strengthen the position of women in the energy sector and to promote their participation in social and economic decision-making processes, as well as to network them within the regions both with each other and with relevant local actors. Of particular relevance was the question of the extent to which women gain access to the energy sector and the challenges and obstacles they face in this professional environment. The research covered a total of six Eastern European and Central Asian countries: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey and Iran, where dena interviewed over 100 female energy experts from the respective countries on the role of women in the energy sector. The position and role of women was analysed on the basis of the following factors: position in the labour market, current political and social framework conditions, and the existence of women's networks in the energy sector.
Renewable energy sector solves inequalities of opportunity
Compared to the conventional energy sector, the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector offers better conditions for equal opportunities. The energy transition opens up many opportunities to overcome previous gender equality deficits and to support the inclusion of women in this process. The role of women is crucial for adapting to the far-reaching societal changes associated with the energy transition and climate protection. Their experience and skills are needed to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the energy sector and related areas. With a higher proportion of women, the diversity of expert teams increases and with it the chance to develop better and more sustainable solutions.
Women's careers hampered
In the course of the research, it was found that women are underrepresented in the energy sector in all the countries studied and face barriers that make it difficult for them to pursue a career in the energy sector. This is mainly due to the legal and social framework as well as traditional roles and stereotypes in society. Women's organisations have a long tradition in the post-Soviet states and play an important role as civil society actors. Their activities are primarily aimed at promoting individual entrepreneurs and businesswomen in small and medium-sized enterprises. In Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkey, sectoral women's networks in the energy sector have only recently emerged. In Uzbekistan and Iran, there are no specific women's networks in the energy sector yet.
Support programmes for women
However, numerous initiatives in business, politics and civil society are driving this issue forward: women energy experts advocating for equality in the workplace and contributing to cultural change in companies, gender policies and the adoption of new legal regulations, and civil society support programmes for women. Most of the companies offering jobs for women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia today are in the oil and gas industry. Globally, however, more women are already employed in the renewable energy industries than in the conventional energy sector. It can be assumed that new job opportunities in the renewable energy industry will also arise in Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the course of the energy transition. The study’s results show that the energy sector needs more female role models to attract more women experts into the sector. Networks can help to increase the visibility of female leaders. Because they promote women's careers, connect women in the industry and support their exchange of experience and knowledge. Furthermore, networks can provide mentoring, coaching and development programmes to train the new generation of female leaders.
Multilateral networking should be promoted
Based on the survey of 100 women experts, the study developed recommendations for action. Exchange of experience, bilateral and regional networking as well as multilateral networking in the respective countries should be promoted. Even a minimal participation of women in various working groups and activities promotes a more balanced gender distribution and draws the attention of actors to gender equality in the context of the energy transition. A significant starting point here is capacity building and knowledge transfer on the global energy transition. Trainings and online courses as well as study trips could be carried out with a minimum participation of women. With the involvement of German and international NGOs active in the respective country (e.g. Heinrich Böll Foundation) as well as embassies, women's networks can be specifically promoted on the ground. The development of partnerships between women's networks and organisations helps women's networks in their role as civil society actors to build and expand their own network. They favour the planning and implementation of joint activities and form the basis for regional and international networking.
Women's participation in energy policy dialogue strengthened
The study, financed by the BMWi, was presented to experts at a dena digital event on 08 October. It turned out that the participants not only confirmed the results of the study, but there was also a great interest in further exchange and the formation of networks. In this way, the study has created a good basis for further strengthening the participation of women in energy policy dialogue.
The study is available here in German, English, Turkish and Russian.
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