A new report, released by the COBENEFITS project reveals that the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources in the South African province of Mpumalanga, could be an opportunity to employ more women, who are presently underrepresented in the energy sector.
COBENEFITS is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and its report titled “From coal to renewables in Mpumalanga details that careful and suitably planning is required for the phase-out of coal in the region.
Female underrepresentation is currently far worse in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, where women account for only 10% of employees, according to the COBENEFITS report. However, the report highlights that if an ambitious decarbonisation policy is pursued, transformation of the South African energy system will facilitate gender-inclusive careers in the energy sector.
“As a new sector, renewable energy provides an opportunity for women to participate, as there is no ‘male industry’ perception as seen in the old energy industry,” reads part of the report. “ Although the renewable energy sector is currently male dominated, leading organisations in the sector are providing mentorship and coaching to enable women to take on leadership roles.”
Research from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) also shows that renewable energy potentially appeals to women more than the fossil fuel industry. In a move to promote gender balance in SA’s renewable energy sector, the industry has launched its Gender Diversity Working Group. The group comprises South Africa Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and We Connect, an NPO focusing on female empowerment within the renewable energy sector.
“As a new sector, renewable energy provides an opportunity for women to participate, as there is no ‘male industry’ perception as seen in the old energy industry,” reads part of the report. “ Although the renewable energy sector is currently male dominated, leading organisations in the sector are providing mentorship and coaching to enable women to take on leadership roles.”
Research from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) also shows that energy transition potentially appeals to women more than the fossil fuel industry. In a move to promote gender balance in SA’s renewable energy sector, the industry has launched its Gender Diversity Working Group. The group comprises South Africa Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and We Connect, an NPO focusing on female empowerment within the renewable energy sector.
