Opinion
For a renewed energy sector in 2022 women inclusion is a must MANY “GENDER-NEUTRAL” PROGRAMS IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY ARE NOT GENDER NEUTRAL AT ALL.
By Rubi Alvarado General Manager, Energy Capital Magazine
Only a small portion of women participate in the energy industry, this must change in other to truly change it, facing energy transition.
W
omen's inclusion in the energy sector is not just a matter of political correctness, nor a trend or a vogue, but a vital factor to be considered for the complete transformation of the industry. The energy transition, in this regard, is much more than just decarbonization. In fact, the energy transition must 8
come along with significant changes to close the gender gap as women have been, are, and will be key drivers of innovative solutions for the future. Indeed, a clean and true energy transition will change paradigms and business models and implement changes for women's greater participation. If successfully implemented, these changes will be valid drivers for economic growth. According to the International Energy Agency, female investors rise rapidly across different technological sectors, with the highest rates reported in the health and chemistry industries. Nevertheless, women are listed below the 11% in patent applications in the energy industry related to combustion apparatus, engines, pumps, and power. On the climate change mitigation technologies, which is comparable to all technologies, including information and communication technologies, women appear in around 15%. On the other hand, worldwide, women make up about 48% of the labor force. Nevertheless, women workers account for only 22% of the energy industry. As a result, women face very similar barriers in the energy sector to those in other sectors of the economy. However, the energy sector's challenges
