G7 Report on Gender Equality and Diversity in the Energy Sector

Germany has made the advancement of an open, resilient and gender-equitable society one of its priorities for its G7 Presidency. In this context, the G7 is addressing the question of how gender equality and diversity can be increased in the energy sector. After all, there are persistent gender gaps in the energy sector, which includes companies in the energy industry, public-sector operators such as ministries and municipal companies etc. These gaps manifest in pay, energy-related education, the energy labour market and participation in decision-making. The largest workplace barriers in the energy sector are faced by women, who are confronted with multiple discrimination. At the same time, women and other marginalised groups globally are particularly affected by energy poverty and the ramifications of climate change.
Gender mainstreaming and increasing diversity will thus play a decisive role in a successful and inclusive energy transition. An energy sector that considers gender perspectives as well as other social categories in its structures and policy making will also generate positive feedback in terms of the gender aspects of climate action.

By joining the Equal by 30 Campaign, the G7 have committed to the goal of equal pay, equal involvement in leadership and equal opportunities in their various energy sectors by 2030. The implementation of these commitments shows the determination of the G7 to guarantee their citizens a fundamental right: participation and equal opportunities for everyone. In committing to this goal, the G7 have identified gender equality as a prerequisite for a successful energy transition.

Under Germany’s G7 Presidency the joint G7 Report on Gender Equality and Diversity in the Energy Sector was commissioned. The report is raising awareness of the relevance of gender equality with regards to energy policies and sums up developments with regard to the G7’s commitment to the Equal by 30 Campaign. Serving as input for the report is a survey of the G7 partners that took the situation and the measures of the various energy ministries into account.