Inclusive Employment in the Just Energy Transition: A Game Changer for Women in the Energy Sector

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Introduction

The global energy landscape is transforming significantly, driven by the imperatives of sustainability, energy access, and security, equity, and resilience. The Just Energy Transition is a critical global movement within this landscape and aims to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. While much of the focus has been on de-carbonisation and creating green jobs, it is essential to broaden the scope of employment and opportunity to include sectors that are not directly extractive. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of the transition are widespread and equitable.

Challenges Faced by Women

At the core of this transition is the inclusive and equal participation of women, who have been historically excluded and underrepresented in the energy sector. This sector is one of the least gender-diverse within the global economy with women continuing to face numerous challenges, including gender bias, unequal pay, and limited opportunities for advancement. The IEA, 2022 sites, that despite 40% of women being represented in the workforce, only 16% of women contribute to the energy sector, and even fewer in leadership positions.

The disparity highlights the need for systemic change to foster a more inclusive and equitable industry. The status quo will not pivot unless deliberate steps are taken, and processes put in place to ensure that women are at the core of the transition. This article aims to highlight how we can ensure inclusive employment in the Just Transition and how it can be a game changer for women in the energy sector.

Inclusive employment in the context of the Just Transition refers to the creation of jobs across various sectors that contribute to a sustainable and equitable economy. This includes not only green jobs in renewable energy spaces but also roles in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, education, healthcare, and services that support the transition.

Women especially in mining and coal power station communities often face significant challenges, including limited access to education and training, gender-based discrimination, and unsafe working conditions. These challenges are compounded by the economic dependency on extractive industries, which limit women’s opportunities for employment and advancement.

Just Energy Transition: A Game-Changer for Women

Policy Frameworks

To ensure that women can thrive in the Just Transition, it is essential to create supportive work environments. Comprehensive policy frameworks by governments, and organisations that promote gender equality, such as equal pay, maternity leave, and flexible work arrangements need to be entrenched into the ways of working.

Collaboration between governments, businesses, labour unions, and civil society is crucial for fostering mechanisms that drive inclusion. All stakeholders must work together to identify emerging job opportunities, addressing the skill gaps, and create pathways for women to transition into new roles. Organisations need to foster a culture of inclusion and respect, where women’s contributions are valued, recognised and promoted.

The South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), is an example of how inclusive employment can be promoted in the Just Transition. The program includes requirements for local content, job creation, and community development. It has created thousands of jobs, many of which have been filled by women, and has supported local economic development specifically in mining communities.

Education and Training

Significant investment in education and training is required to support and enable inclusion. In the Just Transition, programs that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, vocational training, and leadership development can help women acquire the skills needed for new roles in the renewable energy sector and other non-extractive industries. By equipping women with the necessary skills, we can ensure a smooth transition to new roles and industries.

In India’s Solar Energy Sector initiatives such as the Solar Saheli program have empowered women in rural communities to become solar entrepreneurs. Here women are trained to install and maintain solar energy systems, providing them with a source of income and contribute towards the transition to renewable energy. The program has also improved access to clean energy in underserved areas.

Enablement and Innovation

Women within the sector should be encouraged through deliberate channels to innovate and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities from which both government and organisations can benefit with the introduction of unique perspectives and solutions being brought to the table. Organisations can further support these initiatives by providing access to funding, resources, and strong networks.

The creation of networking circles is a crucial catalyst for career advancement. Organisations should facilitate networking opportunities for women, both within and outside the company. This can include industry events, conferences, and online platforms. Strong networks provide women with the support, advice, and connections they need to succeed.

Leadership

Leadership commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential to promote a company culture that fosters female development and growth. Leaders must model inclusive behaviour, commit to bold targets, hold themselves accountable for progress, and create a culture that fosters value and respect for all. This includes clear targets and guidelines that aim to shift organisational culture and hold leadership accountable.

The increased representation of women in leadership positions will allow for women to lead and advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality and inclusive employment.

Mentorship and Sponsorship

Mentorship and sponsorship programs can help in supporting women’s career advancements into leadership roles and provide them with the support they need to succeed. These programs provide advice and actively advocate for talented females, helping them gain visibility, drive empowerment, and create access to opportunities. These programs can help women navigate the challenges of the energy sector and achieve their full potential.

Recognising and celebrating the achievements of women can further help boost their confidence, profile skills, and serves to inspire and motivate others. This can be done through awards, public recognition, and highlighting success stories within governments, organisations and NGO’s.

Conclusion

The Just Transition can significantly enhance the economic empowerment of women within the energy sector by creating diverse job opportunities and providing access to eucation and training. This will enable women to transition into new roles that offer better pay, job security, safer working conditions and career advancement prospects.

The Just Transition can further strengthen the resilience of various communities by diversifying local economies. This can create more stable and sustainable communities, where women have access to greater opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Community-based initiatives, such as cooperatives and social enterprises, can also play a role in fostering resilience. A successful example of a Community-Led Transition stems from the Appalachia, USA, where initiatives are undertaken to support the transition from coal to renewable energy. Programs such as the Appalachian Transition Fellowship provide training and support for women to develop new skills and start businesses in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, tourism, and clean energy. This aids in diversifying the local economy and creates new opportunities for women.

Creating Just Organisations and partnerships in the energy sector requires a multifaceted approach addressing workplace discrimination, ensuring women feel valued and respected, and empowers them to realise their full potential and leads to the creation of a more equitable and innovative industry.

As more women enter and thrive in the energy sector, they will continue to drive progress and shape the future of energy. The Just Transition must therefore be Gender Just.

Shobana Singh

SAEEC Board members & SAFEE Chairperson.

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