Wind energy: A gender perspective

By International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

This brief tracks the presence of women across the wind energy value chain. Based on a survey of over 1 000 individuals and organisations, it examines female representation, gender-inclusive policies, and perceptions of gender bias in the industry.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRENA
• Release date: Jan 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9789292602130

Book preview

© IRENA 2020

Unless otherwise stated, material in this publication may be freely used, shared, reproduced, printed and/or stored, provided that IRENA is appropriately acknowledged as the source and copyright holder. Material in this publication that is attributed to third parties may be subject to separate terms of use and restrictions, and appropriate permissions from these third parties may need to be secured before any use of such material.

ISBN 978-92-9260-171-3

e-book ISBN: 978-92-9260-213-0

This publication should be cited as: IRENA (2020), Wind Energy: A Gender Perspective. IRENA, Abu Dhabi.

ABOUT IRENA

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future and serves as the principal platform for international co-operation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of knowledge on policy, technology, resources and financing related to renewable energy. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy, in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

www.irena.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study was authored by Rabia Ferroukhi, Michael Renner and Celia García-Baños (IRENA), with valuable contributions from Emma Aberg (IRENA), Joyce Lee (GWEC), and Davina Ngei and Christine Lins (GWNET). Survey findings were analysed through a statistical analysis by Adrian Whiteman (IRENA). This report further benefited from contributions by Kelly Rigg and Paul Komor.

The design and dissemination of the survey benefited from valuable inputs and support provided by GWEC and GWNET.

DISCLAIMER

This publication and the material herein are provided as is. All reasonable precautions have been taken by IRENA to verify the reliability of the material in this publication. However, neither IRENA nor any of its officials, agents, data providers or other third-party content providers offers a warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, and they accept no responsibility or liability for any consequence of use of the publication or material herein.

The information contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of all Members of IRENA. The mention of specific companies or certain projects or products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by IRENA in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The designations employed and the presentation of material herein do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of IRENA concerning the legal status of any region, country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of frontiers or boundaries.

Contents

01 Wind energy and gender

1.1. The importance of gender equality

1.2. Closing the knowledge gap on gender and the wind energy sector: IRENA’s survey

02 Employment of women in the wind energy sector

2.1. Key findings

2.2. Barriers to female entry, retention and advancement in the wind workforce

Barriers to entry

Barriers to retention and advancement

Wage inequities

2.3. Selected measures to address barriers

Creating networks and systems for support and mentorship

Improving workplace practices, policies and regulations

Mainstreaming gender perspectives

Replicating women’s initiatives in the field

03 The path ahead

Annex

A.1. IRENA 2019 online survey on gender and