IESA looks to address gender gap in clean tech

Hyderabad: The Indian energy sector is undergoing a massive transformation towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, and IESA believes that women have a critical role to play in driving this transition. The G20 EMPOWER 2023 under India’s presidency is prioritizing the shift from women’s development to women-led development.

With a mission to ‘Empower Women, Empower the Energy Sector’, India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) will announce its ‘Women in Energy’ initiative at Indian Energy Storage Week (IESW 2023), to address the apparent gender gap in the energy sector. The initiative aims at promoting the inclusion of women in shaping the future of the clean tech and green energy sector. IESW 2023 will be held in May this year.

Gender disparity in the energy sector remains a harsh reality, with only one in five leadership roles in the industry held by women, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022. In an effort to address this pressing issue, IESA has created a unique platform for women in the industry to connect, collaborate and support each other.

Dr Rahul Walawalkar, President of India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) & Customized Energy Solutions India, said: "India is utilizing the G20 Presidency for bringing together global cooperation for sustainable growth and has brought focus on women-led inclusive development agenda. The underrepresentation of women in the field of new energies, and the various barriers to entry and growth, are issues that need deliberation”.

The energy sector needs diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and a more inclusive approach to decision-making, to thrive in the rapidly evolving market. We believe that the energy transition should have equal opportunities for both men and women. At IESW 2023, we are committed to enabling women and promoting their participation in the energy sector, he added.

The Indian government has also taken various initiatives to encourage the participation of women in the energy industry. The Women's Empowerment Scheme, for instance, aims to provide skill development and training programs for women in the renewable energy sector.