17 February 2021

Insights on the applicant pool for Women in Wind in 2021

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Participants and Mentors of the 2020 edition of Women in Wind Global Leadership Program attend the virtual Achievement Ceremony in January 2021
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We are delighted to share that more than 200 applications have been received for the 2021 edition of the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program! This is almost double the volume received for the 2020 edition, demonstrating the growing demand for a gender diversity program for the global wind sector, as well as the sector’s expansion to new markets.

Since closing the application round on 15 February, GWEC and GWNET have been closely reviewing the applications. As with previous editions, the quality of applications is extremely high, with passionate statements of career ambition and enthusiasm for wind energy across the pool. Applicants have also continued to expand in geographic diversity, as shown in the map graphic below.

In the fast-growing world of technological development and innovation, clean, safe and reliable energy is high in demand. Wind energy is one of the best sources of renewable energy. Joining the Women in Wind program will help me to learn and understand more about the role of women, particularly in the energy sector.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware EngineerTanzania
Women are under-represented in the STEM fields and especially the energy sector, both at the policy and decision-making leadership level and in the work force. Growing up in a country where there is deep-rooted social and cultural discrimination towards women against talking up traditionally masculine roles, I experienced this issue firsthand. This led to me being passionate about women empowerment and has been at the forefront of my journey in the renewables sector.
Technical Lead
Technical LeadIndia
I have always been the only women working with at least 80 men. I had to struggle with, "What would you know; you're a woman," and earn the respect of other personnel.
Quality Supervisor
Quality SupervisorArgentina
The intersection of energy, climate change mitigation, and gender equality has not yet received much attention from the global development community. My goal is to learn how to raise awareness and build momentum for gender-responsive clean energy and climate change mitigation initiatives, and to promote women's advancement in Kenya to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Legal and Administrative Manager
Legal and Administrative ManagerKenya
I feel that gender should not weigh us down but on the contrary, it should push us forward. However, I wouldn't want to be selected or push forward just because I'm a woman! No, I want people to see me for the skills and competences I have, for the work I do, and for my contribution to society.
Research Assistant
Research AssistantMorocco
Wind is a very big topic. To understand it well, you need to have proper guidance and an expert coach. This platform will help me to enhance my knowledge in wind in a more systematic way.
Deputy Manager, Sales
Deputy Manager, SalesIndia
As a 32-year-old Clean Energy Professional with many accomplishments under my belt, on occasions, I still find myself riddled with self-doubt and the feeling of not-belonging and not-deserving. Through my 10 years of journey in renewable energy, I now realize that a big reason for that is the lack of women representation in leadership in energy industry across the four countries in which I have worked.
Senior Manager, Sales & Commercial Strategy
Senior Manager, Sales & Commercial StrategySingapore
During my career I faced some gender-related challenges. As a meteorologist, I am often reduced to the "weather girl" who in many countries does not require any academic training and is chosen for appearance. However, the meteorology course was very technical and difficult, with similar basic disciplines of engineering. In technical meetings with companies, women in my country often do not receive recognition for our positions or academic qualifications.
Environmental Analyst
Environmental AnalystBrazil
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Here are a few insights about this year’s applicant pool:

  • We received 202 applications, most of which came from nationals or residents of India, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico and Turkey. Strong representation was also seen from Colombia, Kenya, Indonesia and Vietnam.
  •  More than half of the applicants for 2021 submitted video introductions – a great way to personalize their applications, share more of their character and introduce themselves in an increasingly virtual world.
  • Around 5% of applicants indicated that they hold a PhD degree, while more than 50% indicated that they hold a Master’s degree.
  • Around 55% of applicants indicated expertise in engineering (wind turbines, systems, etc.), while more than 40% indicated expertise in stakeholder management for project development. An overview of the areas of expertise indicated by our applicants is below (applicants were able to select more than one area of expertise).
  • Interestingly, this year a greater proportion of applicants indicated expertise in offshore wind (22%) compared to last year (16%), reflecting the rapid growth of the offshore wind market.

We express our deep appreciation to all of those who supported and participated in the application process for the 2021 edition of Women in Wind Global Leadership Program. We will be announcing this year’s selected participants on 8 March, International Women’s Day.

Stay tuned, and keep following our journey here and on social media at #WomenInWind.

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