Page 337 - ISES SWC50

11.10SWC50 Supporter: GWNET

Our History
It is a well-known fact that the energy sector continues to be male-dominated. The absence of gender equality
can be observed in all parts of the world.

Gender inequality is even more prevalent at decision-making levels. Women are generally under-represented
on company boards and across senior management positions, as well as in politics. This reality of under-
representation is even more accentuated in energy-related fields. As a result, the few women that manage to
secure top positions are often less connected with their peers than their male colleagues.

It is important to note that gender equality has proven to be an indispensable factor in reaching sustainability.
Gender diversity drives innovation, opens new pathways for technology deployment, brings fresh perspectives
to the development of societies and attracts and retains a richer pool of talent.

These observations motivated four women professionals working in the sustainable energy field to found
the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET). GWNET is a global network aiming at
empowering women working in sustainable energy in all parts of the world, at different career levels from
both the public and the private sector. GWNET is an international non-profit organisation founded in 2017
under Austrian law.

Our Activities
GWNET aims to advance the global energy transition by empowering women in energy through interdisciplinary
networking, advocacy, training, coaching and mentoring.

GWNET seeks to address the current gender imbalances in the energy sector and to promote gender-sensitive
action around the energy transition in all parts of the world, through:

• Networking: facilitating connections among women working in the fields of renewable energy and
energy efficiency to advance the energy transition, through events and the cutting edge Women in
Energy Expert Platform.

• Advocacy: generating and disseminating information on the role of women in the energy transition
as well as organising conferences, seminars, webinars, and workshops which foster discussions and
promote gender-sensitive action around the energy transition.

ISES SWC50 - The Century of Solar-Stories and Visions | 319