Women under-represented in global energy sector: survey
by CM Staff
The survey revealed that women made up 32% of global employment in the energy sector
Frost & Sullivan – Distributed Energy Resources
OTTAWA — The results of a survey by the global Equal by 30 campaign show that in 2020 women accounted for less than one-third of global employment in the energy sector.
The survey revealed that women made up 32% of global employment in the energy sector. Of that portion, they made up 39% of roles at the entry level and 26% of all executive leaders.
The results of the Equal by 30 campaign’s first data collection and reporting exercise also suggest that the initiative’s 163 signatories have higher than average rates of women’s participation across all positions compared with the broader global energy sector.
“We have to do better. These results give us our starting point,” said Seamus O’Regan Jr., minister of Natural Resources, in a prepared statement. “Now, we close the gap. Because when you include everyone, you get the best.”
Led by Natural Resources Canada, the Equal by 30 campaign is a global effort under the international Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative that aims to close the gender gap and provide insights on the inclusion of women and under-represented groups in the clean energy workforce.
The results shed light on the systemic barriers and biases that prevent the sector from retaining and advancing women. Steps to address these barriers are important because those barriers are counterproductive for companies, which benefit from diversity among leadership.
The new reporting framework is a critical first step in addressing these issues. It establishes the necessary baseline metrics that will help organizations and governments measure their progress on gender equality commitments. Data-driven insights can help accelerate progress, build momentum and encourage more organizations to join the movement.
The Equal by 30 campaign will draw on these new insights to support governments and industries alike to take targeted actions to create a more equitable and inclusive energy sector. Ensuring the participation of traditionally under-represented groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, racialized groups and Indigenous peoples, will be vital to the post-COVID-19 recovery and long-term economic growth.
