The energy sector, historically dominated by men, has seen increasing female participation in recent years. However, despite advances, women still represent a smaller portion of the workforce in the sector.
According to a report by IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), only 22% of jobs in conventional energy are held by women, while in renewable energy this number rises to 32%.
In Brazil, this reality is reflected in a similar way, with structural and cultural challenges that still need to be overcome.
Global scenario and comparison with Brazil
IRENA’s “Renewable Energy: A Gender Perspective” research finds that, globally, female participation in the renewable energy sector is above the average for the energy sector as a whole.
Companies that prioritize gender diversity tend to have better financial performance, innovation and employee satisfaction, as highlighted by the consultancy McKinsey in its study “Diversity Wins”.
In Brazil, data from PwC indicate that women represent around 20% of the workforce in the electricity sector, with a greater presence in istrative and regulatory areas, while technical and operational participation is still reduced.
Comparison with international markets reveals that European countries and the United States have more structured policies for the inclusion of women in the energy sector, with government incentives, diversity goals and specific programs for the training of female leaders.
In Brazil, although there are initiatives in this direction, there is still a long way to go to reach similar levels.
Sectors with the greatest female presence
Female participation in the energy sector varies according to the segment. The sectors that stand out most in of inclusion are:
- Renewable Energies: With a newer and more innovative environment, there is a greater female presence, especially in management and research positions.
- Energy Distribution: Companies in this sector have implemented inclusion programs, increasing the participation of women.
- Research and Development (R&D): There is a growth in female involvement in innovation and energy transition, with emphasis on areas such as green hydrogen and energy storage.
- Sustainability and ESG: Companies' commitment to environmental, social and governance criteria drives the female presence in these departments.
Companies that employ the most women in the energy sector
Some companies in Brazil stand out for their initiatives aimed at female inclusion:
- ExxonMobil: 49% of leadership positions held by women. (Pig iron)
- Eletrobras: 25% of leaders are female. (Pig iron)
- Neoenergia: Electrician training program trained more than 1.000 women. (Pig iron)
- ENGIE: Implements the “Women in the Field” program to increase female participation. (Pig iron)
- Statkraft: 57% of the board of directors are women. (Pig iron)
Female Leadership in the Energy Sector
Some women have played key roles in transforming the energy sector:
- Damilola Ogunbiyi (SEforALL): Global leader in promoting universal access to energy.
- Ana Amélia Campos Toni, National Secretary for Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. She was Executive Director of the Climate and Society Institute – iCS and is a founding partner of Public Interest Management (GIP).
- Clarissa Sadock (Comerc Energia): She took over as president of Comerc Energia in January 2025, bringing her previous experience as CEO of AES Brasil.
- Rachel Maia (Grupo Mulheres do Brasil, Global Compact): Leadership in ESG and corporate diversity in the sector.
Initiatives for female inclusion in the energy sector
Several initiatives have emerged to the inclusion and growth of women in the energy sector:
- “Yes, They Exist”: Movement that gives visibility to women in the sector and promotes mentoring and networking.
- “ACL Women’s Network”: Community that s female participation in the Free Energy Market.
- “Women in Biogas”: Encourages female presence in the biogas and biomethane sector.
- “Rede Mulheres do Sol”: Works on female empowerment in the photovoltaic solar energy sector.
- “Damas da Energia”: Group that promotes discussions and events aimed at strengthening the female presence in the sector.
Challenges and future prospects
Although significant progress has been made, there are still structural challenges to be addressed:
- Low Representation in Technical and Executive Positions: The female presence is still lower in engineering and senior management positions.
- Lack of Systemic Inclusion Policies: Despite business initiatives, the sector lacks more robust public policies.
- Organizational Culture: Companies still face challenges in creating more inclusive and equitable environments.
The future of energy inevitably involves diversity and inclusion. Female participation in the sector is not only a question of equity, but also of efficiency and innovation.
The road is still long, but the initiatives and leaders that have been standing out show that change is already underway.
The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.
