According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), women comprise approximately 22% of senior management roles in the energy space. As the world makes a shift toward more sustainable energy, the uptake of renewable energy has opened up opportunities for the narrative to change.
Already, the total amount of installed renewable energy in Africa has grown by more than 24 gigawatts (GW) in the last 12 years. With these developments, women are also starting to take on a new role in the energy industry.
Though the statistics are still disappointing to say the least, women occupy 10% more leadership positions in the renewable sector compared to the overall energy industry.
This clearly indicates the opportunity that the shift in the energy landscape in South Africa has to change the narrative around what role women can play in the industry.
Already, the total amount of installed renewable energy in Africa has grown by more than 24 gigawatts (GW) in the last 12 years. With these developments, women are also starting to take on a new role in the energy industry.
Though the statistics are still disappointing to say the least, women occupy 10% more leadership positions in the renewable sector compared to the overall energy industry.
This clearly indicates the opportunity that the shift in the energy landscape in South Africa has to change the narrative around what role women can play in the industry.
Progress for women in energy across Africa
Though there is plenty more to be done to bridge the gap to equality, women are making significant strides in the energy sector.
For example, Samantha Graham-Maré currently holds the position of Deputy Minister of Energy in South Africa. In Nigeria, Olu Verheijen serves as the Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Energy.
Several renewable energy startups are also founded by women. WidEnergy Africa, co-founded by Liliane Chabuka and Agnes Imasiku, offers solar-powered energy solutions in Zambia. Similarly, the women-led enterprise Solar Sister, which operates in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, uses a mobile-based distribution model to bring clean energy to rural communities.
On an even smaller scale, women are driving clean cooking initiatives and programmes that make access to energy safer, healthier and less time-consuming than traditional methods like collecting firewood.
Betty Ikalany, Founder and Chief Executive Director of Appropriate Energy Saving Technologies, has said that giving women access to clean cooking technologies is the best way to help them.
These examples highlight that women are not just participating in the energy sector, they are leading it, innovating within it and bringing solutions that are inclusive, sustainable and community-focused.
For example, Samantha Graham-Maré currently holds the position of Deputy Minister of Energy in South Africa. In Nigeria, Olu Verheijen serves as the Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Energy.
Several renewable energy startups are also founded by women. WidEnergy Africa, co-founded by Liliane Chabuka and Agnes Imasiku, offers solar-powered energy solutions in Zambia. Similarly, the women-led enterprise Solar Sister, which operates in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, uses a mobile-based distribution model to bring clean energy to rural communities.
On an even smaller scale, women are driving clean cooking initiatives and programmes that make access to energy safer, healthier and less time-consuming than traditional methods like collecting firewood.
Betty Ikalany, Founder and Chief Executive Director of Appropriate Energy Saving Technologies, has said that giving women access to clean cooking technologies is the best way to help them.
These examples highlight that women are not just participating in the energy sector, they are leading it, innovating within it and bringing solutions that are inclusive, sustainable and community-focused.