The Green Energy Revolution has seen the growth and expansion of the renewable energy sector across the world. Countries are accelerating actions to reduce emissions from the energy sector whilst increasing accessibility to clean affordable energy and creating employment for citizens. Renewable energy is a booming industry and jobs in this sector are expected to increase to 29 million by 2050 from 10.3 million jobs in 2017 according to IRENA. This sector has a crucial role to play in the Just Transition and creation of Green jobs.
The participation of women in renewable energy however still remains very low thereby threatening the sustainability of this industry as a result of lack of inclusivity, equity and gender imbalances. 32% of women are employed in the renewable energy sector across the world and of the 32% only 25 % are working in STEM jobs. 45% are mostly carrying out administrative and non-technical work. With the expansion of Renewable energy, it is therefore important to leverage the participation and promotion of women to take up spaces in the renewable energy value chains. This will ensure that they also benefit from the economic opportunities brought about by the energy transition and strengthen livelihoods.
In this special feature of women in renewable energy we take a look at some of the initiatives local companies in renewable energy are doing to promote and accelerate the participation of women in this sector in Zimbabwe. Intermittent Energy Pvt Ltd is one such company pioneering women participation in renewable energy. It is an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Company providing solar PV services and products. Intermittent Energy Pvt Ltd is an EPC perfected for Solar PV energy installations, construction, design, maintenance and upgrades. It directly employs women to do technical work including installations and procedural activities. Currently 45% of the workers contracted in this company are women certified and qualified to do electrical and solar work. This exceeds the total workforce of females in solar in companies across the world.
The Pink Hat Initiative is an initiative that has been started by Intermittent Energy Pvt Ltd to appreciate the contribution of women to the operations in the organisation and to celebrate women in the renewable energy space. The inspiration to come up with such an initiative came from the values of diversity, equality and equal opportunity for all and believing that one’s ability is governed by knowledge and skill not gender. The Pink hat Initiative was started in August 2020 which coincided with the women’s month. This is a year round Initiative which celebrates the contribution of women in solar and is symbolised by women wearing pink helmets every day. Intermittent Energy also seeks to enhance the participation of women in solar in its Second Initiative known as “Reach and Teach” were both women and men aged between 19-25 years from communities are trained on solar and talented individuals are scouted and developed. Through such an initiative, women are exposed to renewable energy which in turn increases their participation.
“The Pink Hat Initiative is our way of making sure that there’s ample opportunity for the most capable to have the opportunity to showcase their skill and talent” Intermittent Energy Pvt Ltd Gender and societal norms have been one of the barriers hindering the participation of women in renewable energy. The participation of women in the renewable energy space has been very low due to many reasons which range from interpersonal and the workplace environment which is not conducive for females. To enhance the participation of women requires a holistic approach to deal with cultural, societal and behavioural changes. National policies should enable workplaces to be conducive and favourable for women to alleviate some of the barriers faced. Awareness raising especially from companies into renewable energy is key in motivating women and clear misperceptions around the area.
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