This year’s Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue will be held under the Motto: “From Ambition to Action” on 29-30 March 2022. In light of the ongoing pandemic, only a limited participation opportunity is available on site and the possibility is again created to participate in the BETD also virtually with all interactive participation opportunities. Sheila Oparaocha, ENERGIA’s Director, will be participating as a speaker in the “Gender-Energy Nexus” session on March 30th.

Side event: Gender – Energy Nexus

Date: March, 30 2022
Time: 11:45 – 12:45 CEST 
Location: Weltsaal
The recording to the side event can be viewed here. 

The renewable energy sector holds out high hopes when it comes to the role of women. There is huge unleveraged potential for more equitable participation in the stakeholder structure in renewable energy policymaking and implementation. Gender equality is a prerequisite and key driver for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, men still outnumber women in key functions in technical, managerial, and policymaking positions. Even though women hold a larger proportion of jobs in renewables than in the fossil energy sector – they remain underrepresented with only 32 % of the share in the workforce. This compares to a 22 % share reported in traditional energy industries like oil and gas.

The three main barriers are the perception of gender roles, the cultural and social norms, and the prevailing hiring practices. Skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are critical to many careers in renewables, but because of prevailing views of women’s abilities, they are systematically discouraged from pursuing these paths and consequently continue to have a limited presence in these fields. The lack of equal representation of females in decision-making roles is described as the “glass ceiling”, where invisible barriers keep women from rising to influential positions, regardless of their qualifications.

Boosting gender awareness and equity is a win-win proposition. Women’s contributions – their talents, skills, and views – are critically important in supporting this growing industry during a momentous transition towards a more sustainable energy system Closing the gender gap in the energy sector is essential for a successful energy transition.

For more information about the side events, please visit this page.

About the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD)

In the past years the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD) has become a leading international forum for key stakeholders of the energy sector. High-level policymakers, industry, science and civil society are given the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas on a safe, affordable and environmentally responsible global energy transition. Over 2,000 participants from more than 90 countries, 50 foreign and energy ministers and state secretaries, and over 100 high-level speakers gather in the German capital every spring to be part of the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue.

There is a global understanding to reach climate neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, the world needs a Global Green Deal with the transformation of the energy systems at its heart. The tools are in our hands! Collaboration of politics, industry, science and civil society in a new multilateral framework is a precondition for a global green transition. Policymakers need to provide the right framework to combine national realities with global goals.

The Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue is hosted and supported by the German Federal Government and is a joint initiative of the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE), the German Solar Association (BSW), the German Energy Agency (dena) and eclareon.

Between conferences, the Green Sofa travels to various events worldwide to promote the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue and global energy supply and climate change issues.

Please find here the event Agenda.