The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is urging policymakers and businesses to integrate gender inclusion into the development of the decentralized energy sector, particularly focusing on solar power.
According to IRENA's new report, Decentralised Solar PV, A Gender Perspective, women's involvement in off-grid energy initiatives can significantly enhance the reach and sustainability of these solutions, especially in remote areas.
Women's role as primary energy managers in rural households positions them uniquely within communities, the report notes, allowing them to drive trust, tailor solutions, and mobilize community resources.
IRENA's figures indicate that women comprise 40% of the global solar workforce, though representation drops to 24% in STEM and technical roles, with even fewer in leadership positions.
IRENA calls for gender mainstreaming across all energy policies to ensure equal access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Recommendations include flexible training programs, scholarships, and targeted data collection to understand and improve women's roles in decentralized energy, which IRENA asserts will be vital to achieving inclusive and lasting energy transformation.
