Engineering is largely a male-dominated career. However, in recent years, more and more women have entered the engineering sector, and many more join them every year. Energy engineering is no exception.
Studies have found that gender diversity often leads to better decisions being taken, and greater levels of innovation applied. At the same time, opening the field to women expands the number of potential new engineers entering the sector and often leads to an improved global image.
In many parts of the world, “Women in Energy” movements encourage young women to study engineering and work in the sector as engineers and technicians. These movements help to make it easier for women to enter the traditionally male dominated environment.
The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) takes the Women in Energy initiative seriously. SANEDI’s multiparty International Energy Efficiency (IEE) project contributes to gender mainstreaming by encouraging female participation in the energy sector.
Gender mainstreaming is seen as vital for the African continent where gender inequality is quite pervasive. Many organisations in the energy sector support and encourage gender equality as part of the energy transition.
