Women in hydro |
From barriers to breakthroughs
The underrepresentation of women within the renewable energy sector, including
hydropower, remains a global challenge. Here IWP&DC shares the experiences of women working throughout the industry, who are encouraging others to follow in their footsteps
DESPITE RECENT INITIATIVES AIMED at boosting women’s involvement in the renewable energy sector, it still remains one of the most gender- imbalanced globally – with IRENA estimating that women account for only 32% of the industry worldwide. And if compared with other economic sectors requiring similar levels of education and experience, women’s participation in the renewable energy sector still remains low. Such limited representation is said to highlight ongoing barriers to female inclusion, portraying a lack of understanding of how gender equality intersects with clean energy, innovation, and leadership opportunities. Indeed, with solar energy at 25.2%, and wind power at 25.6%, the average representation of women in leadership within the hydropower industry drops to 19.3%. Although the underrepresentation of women poses a global challenge for the renewable energy sector, there is still a notable scarcity of research addressing women in the industry. With most studies focusing on technology, economics, or policy, it is claimed they often overlook the social dimension of gender inclusion. And even as the energy industry transitions from a reliance on fossil fuel, with increasing opportunities for a more inclusive workforce in a more renewable world, women are still facing various barriers hindering their participation. According to Bella Siwela and Knowledge Shumba, in their recent analysis of women in the
renewable sector within G20 countries, these barriers can include a lack of gender policies in companies, along with restrictive socio-cultural perceptions of gender, both of which can impede professional growth.
In addition women, especially those from
marginalised communities, are disproportionately impacted by a restricted access to financial capital and a lack of awareness about available opportunities. And although female leadership capabilities in technical roles are still often underestimated, women’s leadership is viewed as being crucial for shaping innovative strategies essential for transforming energy systems, the authors add.
Described as being subtle yet pervasive, psychological barriers to female inclusion also exist and can manifest as internalised attitudes, societal norms, and deep-rooted biases that hinder women’s ambitions, self-confidence, and professional advancement in the field. Furthermore, Siwela and Shumba add that women’s internal doubts and insecurities regarding their abilities, alongside feelings of loneliness and isolation, as well as difficulties in managing risk and the absence of role models, contribute to these barriers. However, with studies such as theirs giving more academic attention to the issue, the authors remain hopeful it is still possible to reframe the energy transition through a gender-responsive lens.
Talent and potential are not defined by gender. Pornpimon Ainkaew/
Shutterstock.com
22 | June 2026 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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