Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Energy remains one of the least gender diverse sectors in the global economy, according to the IEA. However, many forward-thinking companies are now addressing this imbalance and working to change it. As the industry shifts toward sustainability and innovation, empowering women in the energy sector is critical to its future success.
In this article, we will review the current gender landscape in the energy industry. We will explore the challenges women face and highlight the progress they are making. We will also show how WTS Energy is driving meaningful change for a more inclusive energy landscape.
The current landscape
The energy sector has historically been a male-dominated field. Its workforce continues to be unrepresentative of the population and workforce at large. As stated by the IEA, women make up just 16% of the global energy workforce, despite representing 39% of the total global labor force. The IEA has conducted several studies that highlight persistent gender gaps. These studies show that women are underrepresented in technical and senior leadership roles. Women also face a significant wage gap compared to their male counterparts. Women in the energy sector earn approximately 20% less than men with similar qualifications and job responsibilities .
In their research, the IEA also found that women are significantly more likely to leave the energy sector than men, often due to limited career progression opportunities. Furthermore, women who remain in the sector are less likely to transition to higher-paying firms, which exacerbates the gender wage gap over time​. Despite global efforts to address these disparities, gender diversity in energy remains far below other sectors​.
Overcoming barriers
Innovative solutions require a diverse and equitable energy sector. However, women in the energy sector face a number of structural challenges that are barriers to their advancement:
As a result, despite the energy sector’s growth and modernization, the industry underrepresents women in influential roles. This highlights the need to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.
Challenging stereotypes
Besides the structural challenges, cultural stereotypes also limit women’s progress in the energy sector:
To overcome these stereotypes, it is vital to showcase the achievements of women in technical and leadership roles, thereby providing future generations with more visible role models.
Access to education and training
To overcome there barriers, education is essential. Many women lack access to necessary STEM education and specialized training. This limits their ability to pursue technical and leadership roles. To tackle this, initiatives focused on providing targeted educational opportunities are critical for closing the skills gap.
WTS Energy is playing its part by offering comprehensive training through its dedicated canters. These programs equip energy professionals, including women, with the technical skills and qualifications they need to advance in the sector. This helps create a more inclusive workforce.
Flexible working arrangements
Addition to education opportunities, Flexible working arrangements are increasingly recognized as essential for attracting and retaining women in the energy sector. Many women face challenges balancing demanding roles with family responsibilities, especially in fieldwork and remote locations​. By offering flexibility, companies can create a more inclusive work environment that supports women’s career advancement.
WTS Energy’s commitment
At WTS Energy, we have been actively enhancing our capacity to recruit highly capable women for energy roles worldwide. Through initiatives such as webinars, mock interviews, and targeted recruitment campaigns, we are creating multiple pathways for women to enter or advance within the energy industry.
Case study: Recruitment of female HV jointers for a service provider in the energy industry
Explore how WTS Energy successfully recruited and relocated female HV jointers to promote gender diversity in high voltage cable jointing.
The way forward
To truly empower women in the energy sector, the industry needs to make ongoing efforts at every level. Collaboration between companies, educational institutions, and policymakers is crucial to ensuring women can thrive. In collaboration with industry partners, WTS Energy is dedicated to eliminating barriers and developing a more innovative and equitable energy workforce.
