About
Gender diversity drives innovation, opens new pathways for technology deployment, brings valuable perspectives to social and economic development and provides a richer pool of talent for key and emerging industries. In the landscape of global issues requiring strong leadership and a skilled workforce, few areas are as critical as the transition to a sustainable energy system.
Yet, as documented in the January 2020 report “Wind energy: A gender perspective,” released by IRENA and Women in Wind, the wind energy industry continues to be male-dominated. Around 21 per cent of the global wind energy workforce is women, falling below the 32 per cent share of women in the global renewables workforce and even the 22 per cent share of women in the conventional energy sector workforce, according to IRENA’s 2019 report “Renewable energy: a gender perspective.”
The IRENA/Women in Wind report “Wind energy: A gender perspective” also reflected a dire leadership gap, with only 8 per cent of senior management roles in the global wind energy sector held by women. The majority of women occupy roles in administration and non-STEM occupations in wind energy.
Features
A dedicated program of training and mentoring for women in the wind industry, aimed at providing its participants with global perspectives, multidisciplinary experience and the network to advance to leadership positions
A network of mentors among leading women in the wind industry
A comprehensive education program that can be expanded upon year-on-year, incorporating the latest technology developments and best practices from the industry, to cover the areas of policy and advocacy, project management, project financing, turbine engineering and more
A platform to assist leading companies in the sector in identifying talent and reaching new gender equality benchmarks, allowing them to fully leverage their human resources
A growing network of alumni who can serve as mentors for the future generation of women entering the industry over the next decade, as wind becomes one of the world’s dominant energy sources
Timeline for 2023 Program
30 January - 10 February 2023
Applications open for the 2023 program
11 February - 08 March 2023
Mentees are selected from the public application pool
March 2023 - January 2024
Successful applicants will be matched with a dedicated mentor and take part in the year-long program
What is included?
A mentorship program with monthly virtual meetings
A specially designed learning and development program, with knowledge transfer webinars and skill-building elements for leadership, communication, presentation and industry visibility
A week-long study tour in Europe, including an industry conference, visits and meetings at key institutions, facilities and company headquarters relevant to the wind sector, as well as high-level seminars and workshops (pending feasibility in 2023)
Network-building opportunities at major international energy events
An achievement ceremony for program completion
Who can apply?
Diversity in background and geography are driving principles of the program. In 2023, its fifth year of operation, the program will welcome more participants than ever across all disciplines of the sector.
Making the case for diversity in developing countries and emerging markets is a core principle of the program. Applicants must be citizens or residents of the following emerging markets for wind power: Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
Follow us on social media and use the hashtag #WomeninWind to share your story!
