​How the Renewables Sector is creating a Framework for Success in Promoting Gender Diversity in LATAM

Latin America (LATAM) is a region that has shown great potential for renewable energy, with several countries setting ambitious targets to increase the share of renewable energy in their energy mix. Here, we will discuss the current progress of female representation in LATAM's renewable energy and sustainability spaces, regional gender diversity initiatives, and look at the success of Chile as a case study.

Current Progress of Female Representation in LATAM's Renewable Energy and Sustainability Spaces

According to a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), women in the energy sector in Latin America and the Caribbean make up only 18% of the workforce, with women's representation in technical and leadership roles even lower. The report also highlights that women are concentrated in lower-paying, administrative roles.

However, there are signs of progress in female representation in the region's renewable energy and sustainability spaces. For example, the 2019 Latin America and Caribbean Renewable Energy Status Report found that women's representation in the region's renewable energy sector had increased from 32% in 2013 to 35% in 2018.

Regional Gender Diversity Initiatives

Several initiatives have been launched in LATAM to promote gender diversity in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors. For example, the Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative was launched in Chile in 2017 to promote women's participation and leadership in the energy sector. The initiative provides networking, mentoring, and training opportunities for women in the sector and aims to increase women's representation in leadership roles.

In addition, the Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform was launched in Brazil in 2020 to promote gender diversity in the sustainability and renewable energy sectors. The platform provides a space for networking and knowledge-sharing among women in the sectors and aims to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Chile as a Case Study

Chile has been particularly visible as a promoter of female participation in the renewable energy sector. It’s useful to study their success and what can be copied from it. Here are five features of the renewable energy sector in Chile that have helped aid gender diversity:

• National Strategy for Gender Equality and Equity: Chile has a National Strategy for Gender Equality and Equity that sets a target of increasing women's representation in the energy sector to 30% by 2030. The strategy includes initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity in the sector, such as training programs for women in the industry.

• Chilean Renewable Energy Association (ACERA): The Chilean Renewable Energy Association (ACERA) has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity in the renewable energy sector. For example, ACERA has launched a program to provide technical training for women in the industry and a mentoring program for women to support their career development.

• Women in Energy Chile (Mujeres en Energía Chile): Women in Energy Chile is a non-profit organization launched in 2017 to promote women's participation and leadership in the energy sector. The organisation provides networking, mentoring, and training opportunities for women in the sector and aims to increase women's representation in leadership roles.

• Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative: Chile launched the C3E Initiative in 2017 to promote women's participation and leadership in the energy sector. The initiative provides networking, mentoring, and training opportunities for women in the sector and aims to increase women's representation in leadership roles.

• Collaboration with the private sector: The Chilean government has collaborated with the private sector to promote gender diversity in the renewable energy sector. For example, the Ministry of Energy has signed an agreement with Enel Green Power Chile to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the company.

Conclusion

While female representation in LATAM's renewable energy and sustainability spaces remains low, there are signs of progress, with initiatives such as the C3E Initiative and the WiSER platform providing support and advocacy for women in the sector, and countries setting targets aimed at promoting gender diversity in the industry. Going forward, it will be important for countries in the region to continue to prioritise gender diversity in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors to realise the full potential of these industries and promote gender equality. By working together to promote gender diversity and inclusion, the renewable energy and sustainability sectors can set an example for other industries and help to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.