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Energy and gender
A critical issue in energy employment and access
Despite making up 39% of the global labour force, women only account for 16% of the traditional energy sector. For management levels the numbers are even lower. The barriers women face in the energy sector are similar to those they face elsewhere in the economy. However, the challenges of the energy sector are more pressing since the sector is going through a process of transformation. Clean energy transitions will require innovative solutions and business models to be adopted and greater participation from a diverse talent pool.
Meanwhile, the lack of or access to fuels particularly impacts women, limiting their work options, exposing them to health risks, and forcing them to forage for wood or other combustible materials.
Below, find out more about our programmes and initiatives, as well as IEA countries’ actions to support gender equality in the energy sector.
Understanding Gender Gaps in Wages, Employment and Career Trajectories in the Energy Sector
On 14 May, 2024, the IEA convened global leaders for a Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa to make 2024 a turning point for progress on ensuring clean cooking access for all. Co-chaired by President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Prime Minister of Norway H.E. Jonas Gahr Støre, the President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, and the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Dr. Fatih Birol, the Summit brought together over 1000 delegates, including 55 government delegations, convening 4 Heads of Government in Paris, with 23 ministers in attendance, and several Heads of international organisations.
This Summit has delivered an emphatic commitment to an issue that has been ignored by too many people, for too long. We still have a long way to go, but the outcome of this Summit, USD 2.2 billion committed, can help support fundamental rights such as health, gender equality and education while also reducing emissions and restoring forests.
Learn more about the outputs from the Summit
Facilitating and exchange of best practices
Facilitating and exchange of best practices
The IEA Gender Advisory Council was set up by IEA’s Governing Board in June 2021. The Council comprises a number of senior officials from IEA member governments with the purpose of providing direction to the IEA Secretariat and facilitating and exchange of best practices between IEA Family governments on gender equality and inclusion.
Accelerating gender equality and diversity in the clean energy transition
Accelerating gender equality and diversity in the clean energy transition
The Equality in Energy Transitions Initiative (formerly known as C3E International) was created in 2010 as an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) to accelerate gender equality and diversity in the clean energy transitions. In 2017, a decision was taken to organize the Equality Initiative‘s activities as an (TCP). This provides a strong foundation to the work and provides additional visibility to the Equality Initiative‘ globally. As a TCP, the Equality Initiative joins a network of 6 000 experts participating in IEA’s energy technology network, which engages in energy research and development, and which can assist with the development of best practices to support the goals of the program.
Explore the initiative
Explore the initiative
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