The impact of covid-19 on women in The clean energy sector

Paula Serras Malillos Universidad del País Vasco / Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Spain


Explore these resources to learn more about the impact of the pandemic on women and the increased need to include them in the energy transition.

The report of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) reports on the energy transition and on the post-COVID-19 socioeconomic recovery, with a focus on the role of women and impact on them.

COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on women in the clean energy sector, as it had on women in many other industries. Women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic due to various factors, such as their overrepresentation in low-paying jobs and the burden of unpaid care work.

In the clean energy sector, women make up a relatively small proportion of the workforce, particularly in technical and leadership roles. The pandemic has exacerbated existing gender inequalities in the sector, with women facing additional challenges such as job losses, reduced work hours, and increased caregiving responsibilities.

Efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the clean energy sector have been underway for some time, and the pandemic has highlighted the need for continued action. This includes initiatives such as mentorship programs, training and education programs, and policies that support work-life balance and flexible working arrangements.

The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of a just and equitable transition to clean energy. As governments and organizations seek to rebuild their economies and create more sustainable, resilient societies, there is an opportunity to ensure that women are not left behind and are actively included in the transition also in Africa and Asia, as expressed in the position paper of ENERGIA, the International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy.

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