Bridging the skills gap

As we move towards environmental sustainability, the integration of gender equality into this transition becomes more and more critical. Amidst the buzz of progress in renewable energy and climate action, it is crucial to acknowledge the critical role that gender equality plays in shaping the outcomes of our efforts.

The intersection of the gender gap and the skills gap is a complex tapestry of challenges and opportunities in sustainable development, especially in parts of the EU neighbourhood, where women on the one hand face significant barriers but on the other hand embody the potential for profound change.

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is a key avenue for economic transformation and social inclusion. It holds promises for young people but is often limited by gender inequality, with young women bearing the brunt of exclusion.

Findings of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) paint a stark picture of gender disparity within the energy sector: only 24% of its workforce are women. This imbalance is further exacerbated in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics where women remain severely underrepresented, often relegated to lower-paid and non-technical roles.

According to the OECD (2024), the latest figures on official development assistance for gender equality and women's empowerment show a concerning trend: despite efforts to promote gender equality across sectors, the landscape remains uneven.

This underlines a critical imperative for a fair and green future: the full participation of women in renewable energy initiatives. It also reveals the existence of a world of missed opportunities, with 129 million girls worldwide unable to access education. According to the United Nations (UNICEF, 2021), nearly one in four girls aged 15 to 19 are not in school, employment or training. This compares to one in ten for boys.

Yet, these very challenges also point towards a tremendous untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. With 139 million new jobs expected in the energy transition sector by 2030, women could play an important role in shaping a future where skills are valued over gender (IRENA, 2023).

The concept of a gender-responsive just transition, as advocated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), aims to create a fair and inclusive energy future by addressing these gender inequalities through equal opportunities and equal treatment. This involves recognising women’s unique challenges, adopting gender-sensitive climate strategies and investing in green skills training for women, thus empowering them for the low-carbon economy transition.

Efforts extend to encouraging women's entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods in green policies, providing them with access to financing, market linkages, and technical assistance. A notable initiative in this regard is the DESFERS project in West Africa, led by Schneider Electric and its Foundation with Plan International. It aims at empowering women in Senegal, Mali, and Niger with the help of renewable energy.

DESFERS is a movement towards inclusivity and empowerment that focuses on community awareness, skills training, entrepreneurship support and job creation within the renewable energy sector. It envisions women leading in renewable energy entrepreneurship, breaking traditional gender roles, and contributing to sustainable development.

Through decentralised renewable energy solutions, including pico-PV systems, PV solar microgrids, solar lighting systems, solar home systems and productive use systems, among others, women are empowered to take charge of income-generating activities, paving the way for economic independence and social empowerment.

The programme works on opening the way to entrepreneurship in the sustainable energy sector for 4,500 small and medium-sized enterprises owned by women. By offering training and financial support, DESFERS is set to train 7,000 women entrepreneurs, allowing 21,000 women to access renewable energy and credit, thus opening opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.

At the heart of DESFERS lies a commitment to collaboration and partnership. Plan International organises workshops that promote women's rights and foster partnerships at all levels, ensuring that the voices of women are heard, and their needs addressed. Through strategic partnerships with local communities, financial institutions, and private sector entities, DESFERS creates a positive ecosystem for women's empowerment, driving economic growth and social inclusion in the Sahel region.

The initiative represents a step towards a sustainable and inclusive future by breaking down socio-normative constraints and providing women with necessary tools and opportunities.

In conclusion, integrating gender into green policies leverages women’s contributions and diversity for a future that is inclusive, resilient, and equitable. Initiatives like DESFERS inspire a renewed commitment to gender equality and environmental sustainability. Let us embrace this transformative journey towards a greener and more equitable tomorrow.

References

IRENA (2023), Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2023, IRENA, Abu Dhabi.

OECD (2024), Latest data on official development assistance (ODA) for gender equality and women’s empowerment, OECD, Paris.

UNICEF (2021), Gender Action Plan 2022-2025, New York.

For more information on DESFERS, watch this video.

About the author

Marwa Hammad is the head of the global gender strategy at Schneider Electric. You may contact her at: marwa.ahmed.hammad@gmail.com 
 

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