Uplifting Voices: A journey through a women's career in the clean energy sector

[In this joint effort, Nicole Iseppi and Adriana Elera , colleagues in the Energy Innovation team at the Bezos Earth Fund , collaborate to share a unique blend of seasoned insights from both a senior professional and the vibrant outlook of a youth colleague, while both navigating careers in the global energy sector as women.]

The global energy transition holds incredible promise for a sustainable future, yet women still face significant barriers hindering their full participation. The figures paint a stark picture. Despite comprising 32% of the renewable energy workforce, women's representation in leadership and technical roles remains notably lower. Unequal access to education, limited technical training opportunities and prevailing gender gaps continue this ongoing disparity.

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Why women’s active engagement matters:

Women's active engagement isn't merely a matter of equality; it's a strategic imperative for a sustainable future. A more diverse workforce is a smarter, more resilient workforce. It means different approaches to problem-solving, a broader range of experiences, and a greater capacity to adapt to change. This is crucial to accelerate clean energy transformations.

The transition toward renewable energy offers diverse avenues, demanding various skill sets. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)'s forecasts of an increase in renewable energy jobs to 38.2 million by 2030 and the broader energy transition-related sectors to 74.2 million underscore a chance for reskilling and upskilling a diverse workforce where women actively need to take part to support the energy transition. We must leverage women's participation as catalysts for accelerating this transformation. However, this is not an easy endeavor.

Persistent challenges in career advancement:

In the dynamic landscape of the energy transition, women continually face unique barriers. While many companies have made progress in implementing policies for inclusivity hiring more women, most of the challenges remain in career advancement.

For us, women in the energy sector, nurturing career aspirations with determination and continuous growth has been pivotal. Surrounding ourselves with mentors and a supportive network helped us to navigate the complexities of career progression, inspiring us to elevate our capabilities.

[@Nicole Iseppi] Embarking on an international professional journey has led me the opportunity to travel from Australia to Japan to Middle East to Europe and to the US. Offering more than mere professional growth and deal experience.? It provided a chance to widen one’s perspectives, deepen your understanding of cultural diversity and cultivate essential life and professional skills like adaptability and resilience.? It has significantly contributed to my ability to excel in the global energy sector at a strategic level, where a predominant male presence historically has prevailed and nurture robust networks with key partners and leaders around the world based on trust. For me, it’s important to highlight that everyone has a voice. Key learnings that I would like to share are seize every chance to showcase your contributions, embrace opportunities to acquire new skills and push boundaries by exposing yourself to new experiences.

[@Adriana Elera] Throughout my professional career, I have cherished the privilege of being surrounded by accomplished female leaders such as Nicole who have been a source of inspiration and wisdom, particularly in navigating traditionally male-dominated environments. They have not only provided me avenues for active participation in global discussions, for instance during COP28, but also exposed me to learning from high-profile specialists. Their support and motivation have been crucial for me to confidently raise my voice and share my expertise on a broader international scale. I have found valuable support in having role models guiding me in connecting with my own career purpose. I encourage fellow women to reflect about themselves, recognizing their strengths and actively nurture them to reach their full potential. Collaboratively, let’s create safe spaces where we can be our authentic selves and that allow us to flourish.?

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Together, our stories highlight the transformative power of determination, mentorship and a supportive network in overcoming challenges in the energy sector.

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Breaking barriers that reinforce gender biases:

However, we also believe systemic barriers that limit women to progress in their careers are still visible in the energy sector. Advancing on the career ladder demands not only skills and dedication but also a concerted effort to redefine cultural and market norms that currently reinforce gender biases. It demands challenging conventional expectations and advocating for a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. This can be done by:

·?????? Advocating for policy changes and governmental support that prioritizes gender equality and women's inclusion in the renewable energy sector, including advocating for gender-responsive policies and equitable funding allocation.

·?????? Establishing specialized educational programs and vocational training tailored to women, focusing on STEM fields relevant to renewable energy.

·?????? Creating platforms for recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in renewable energy.

·?????? Promoting and supporting women's advancement into leadership positions within clean energy companies and organizations through mentorship programs, leadership training and policies that improve workplace culture.

·?????? Finally, conducting research and collecting data on gender disparities within the renewable energy sector to identify challenges and monitor progress. Evidence-based approaches can guide targeted interventions and measure the impact of empowerment initiatives.

On this special Women’s History Month, to all out fellow industry colleagues - let’s collectively commit to action. Let's dismantle barriers, champion inclusive practices and elevate women as indispensable leaders in driving the renewable energy revolution forward. At the Bezos Earth Fund we are actively fostering an inclusive ecosystem where talent knows no gender, race, or background. Let's craft a future where women play pivotal roles in every aspect of the renewable energy sector.

To our fellow female peers: your journey is a testament to what we can achieve through dedication, resilience, and belief in your unique potential. Your individual success also contributes to greater women’s collective success. Standing on the shoulders of those women who paved the way for us, we believe it is our shared responsibility to actively unlock opportunities, fostering a more inclusive industry for the generations of women to follow for both now and in the future.

#InspireInclusion #EnergyForAll #Diversity #Belonging

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