GIH Network Meeting: More Women Power for the Energy Transition

What needs to be changed to attract more women to the energy sector and to make it more interesting for them? Which changes would I like to see in my private life and at my workplace? What needs to happen at the societal level to make the energy sector more gender-just?

In the frame of the project W4RES, WECF has supported GIH in their desire to engage more women within their structure. Therefore, we discussed some of the above-mentioned questions with 20 women at the GIH network meeting on 23rd March 2022. GIH is a German-wide network of energy consultants, thus giving them a voice and informing the public about energy consulting and energy efficiency. But female members are less than 20%. The meeting was a kick-off event to build up a sustainable women's network within GIH. The upcoming energy transition with new technologies, business models, and overall social changes requires flexibility and diversity. And thus, the representation of society as a whole. 

WECF had the opportunity to present the EU-funded project W4RES. At W4RES, we work with 12 partners from 8 European countries to integrate women into the RHC (Renewable Heating and Cooling) sector. The project aims to act with women as important actors who can contribute to moving Europe away from fossil fuels and towards achieving climate policy goals at the European level, meaning 100% renewables. After great input from Berit Müller, Managing Director of the DGS Regional Association for Berlin-Brandenburg, the participants had the opportunity to exchange views on the questions aforementioned.

During the discussion, it became clear, that the female energy experts are aware of the need for more women in the energy consulting sector, that they are extremely qualified, and appreciate the engagement of more women as energy consultants. WECF then presented concrete tools to make the energy sector more gender-just, such as gender-just communication on websites or social media. It is important for women to have safe spaces and the opportunity to exchange with other women.

The meeting was a successful kick-off to connect energy consultants from different corners of Germany with different expertise. To establish a women’s network within GIH, there will be further meetings in the future. One vision is to organize regular meetings or specific technical training for women, for example, on the installation of heat pumps. GIH will soon provide further information on its website for all interested women.

WECF is pleased about this great exchange, and excited for ‘’more women power in the energy transition!’’

Link of the article in German: GIH-Netzwerktreffen: Mehr Frauenpower für die Energiewende | WECF