Energy and gender
Energy and Gender
A critical issue in energy employment and access
Innovative solutions require a diverse and equitable energy sector
Despite making up 39% of the global labour force, women only account for 16% of the traditional energy sector. For management levels the numbers are even lower. The barriers women face in the energy sector are similar to those they face elsewhere in the economy. However, the challenges of the energy sector are more pressing since the sector is going through a process of transformation. Clean energy transitions will require innovative solutions and business models to be adopted and greater participation from a diverse talent pool.
Meanwhile, the lack of or access to fuels particularly impacts women, limiting their work options, exposing them to health risks, and forcing them to forage for wood or other combustible materials.
Below, find out more about our programmes and initiatives, as well as IEA countries’ actions to support gender equality in the energy sector.
Gender gaps in the energy sector
The energy sector is male-dominated and women earn lower wages than men
The report below draws upon matched employer-employee data collected as part of the OECD LinkEED project. Bringing together employer and employee data in a single framework allows for the analysis of the role of the firm in determining workers' wages, as well as the role of worker characteristics such as skills and gender for firm-level outcomes.
Understanding Gender Gaps in Wages, Employment and Career Trajectories in the Energy Sector
Average gender wage and employment gaps by sector
OpenDetailed data on gender gaps in employment and wages, senior management, entrepreneurship and innovation
The barriers women face in the energy sector are similar to those they face elsewhere in the economy. However, there is an urgency for countries to attract and retain a diverse workforce in the energy sector to ensure innovation and the inclusive perspectives needed to successfully navigate the low‑carbon energy transition. The transformation of the sector towards sustainable clean energy sources provides a golden opportunity for greater gender diversity.
Global employment by gender, 2022
OpenGender issues and energy access
Nearly one in three people still lack access to clean cooking facilities, disproportionately affecting women and children
In many parts of the world, they typically have little say over household spending, with other purchases prioritised over clean cooking devices. Under-representation of women within executive institutions means that clean cooking also remains low on the political agenda.
Population without access to clean cooking in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia in the Stated Policies Scenario, 2010-2030
OpenLack of clean cooking fuels forces many women to forage to feed their families, hindering their work options and exposing them to health risks
Women bear the brunt of the consequences of not having electricity or clean cooking fuel. The task of collecting firewood or other dirty fuels falls predominantly on them, wasting scarce time and effort. Household air pollution, mostly from cooking smoke, is linked to around 2.5 million premature deaths a year, with women and children being the most exposed. Because women in developing countries often enter the work force through casual sectors such as clothes making or food preparation, lack of electricity access is particularly detrimental to their professional options.
People without access to electricity worldwide, 2012-2022
OpenOur work on energy and gender
In May 2024, the IEA convened global leaders for a Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa to drive faster progress on ensuring clean cooking access for all. Co-chaired by the President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, the President of the African Development Bank Group Akinwumi Adesina, and the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, the Summit brought together over 1,000 delegates from close to 60 countries. It mobilised $2.2 billion in financial pledges from governments and the private sector, a record sum dedicated to clean cooking access at a single gathering.
Facilitating and exchange of best practices
Facilitating and exchange of best practices
The IEA Gender Advisory Council was set up by IEA’s Governing Board in June 2021. The Council comprises a number of senior officials from IEA member governments with the purpose of providing direction to the IEA Secretariat and facilitating and exchange of best practices between IEA Family governments on gender equality and inclusion.
Accelerating gender equality and diversity in the clean energy transition
Accelerating gender equality and diversity in the clean energy transition
The Equality in Energy Transitions Initiative (formerly known as C3E International) was created in 2010 as an initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) to accelerate gender equality and diversity in the clean energy transitions. In 2017, a decision was taken to organize the Equality Initiative‘s activities as an (TCP). This provides a strong foundation to the work and provides additional visibility to the Equality Initiative‘ globally. As a TCP, the Equality Initiative joins a network of 6 000 experts participating in IEA’s energy technology network, which engages in energy research and development, and which can assist with the development of best practices to support the goals of the program.
Explore the initiative
Explore the initiative
- What is the Equality Initiative?
- How does gender play a role in clean energy transitions?
- What are IEA members doing about women's participation in the energy sector?
- How do we shift the dial on women in the energy sector?
- Where do countries go for practical advice on action on gender equality in energy?
- Download the brochure