The Importance of Women in the Green Economy

Evident’s Commitment to a Sustainable and Equitable Future

As we stand at the precipice of the climate crisis, the call for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. In this pivotal moment, women are emerging as leaders in the green business sector, driving innovation, spearheading change, and helping propel us towards a more sustainable future. At Evident, we're not only proud to champion the certification of the green economy but also to celebrate the remarkable women who are at the forefront of this movement.

With over a decade’s experience, Evident has witnessed firsthand the growth of women within the clean economy. Our certification processes, from I-RECs to C-Capsule, Fly-i to Hydrogen, are not just about validating sustainability efforts but also recognising the diverse voices and perspectives that drive these initiatives forward. One of the most remarkable aspects of our journey is our diverse workforce, with 44% of our employees being women, representing 21 different nationalities. Our diverse workforce is not just a statistic; it's a testament to the invaluable contributions of women from all backgrounds advancing sustainability goals and pioneering climate justice.

Women and Climate Change: A Crucial Intersection

Beyond our organisation, the EU's environmental goods and services sector saw a 23% job growth from 2010 to 2020, outpacing the wider economy's 5% growth. Despite this, there remains a gender gap in STEM fields like ICT and engineering. Expanding opportunities beyond traditional STEM roles is crucial for gender equality across the sustainability sector, with the Gender Equality Index highlighting that women are underrepresented in the conventional energy sector (22%) and the global renewable energy workforce (32%). With barriers such as childcare responsibilities and limited career progression in male-dominated industries hindering women's advancement across STEM and sustainability related job roles.

Esther Goodwin Brown from the Circle Economy Foundation emphasises the need to redefine green skills to include diverse skill sets beyond technical expertise, promoting inclusivity across sectors. In addition, statistics show that women are disproportionately impacted by climate change, facing higher risks in climate-induced disasters, and experiencing greater hits to their livelihoods and education compared to men. If current trends in education and employment persist, climate mitigation and adaptation strategies could delay gender equity by 15 to 20 years, largely due to women's underrepresentation in the fast-growing clean economy. This underrepresentation limits their access to new jobs, reskilling opportunities, and funding for green tech startups. However, this outcome is not inevitable. Applying a gender lens to climate action can address inequities and accelerate progress.

By integrating women into climate strategies, we can tackle climate change and gender inequality simultaneously. To achieve this, we must integrate a gender perspective into climate investments and decision-making. This includes ensuring women’s full participation by supporting female entrepreneurs, increasing women's involvement in climate strategy, and promoting upskilling and gender-inclusive employment opportunities within the green economy. With a projected $100 trillion to $150 trillion needed in net-zero investments to meet 2050 carbon neutrality goals, there is an urgent need to close the green gender gap and ensure equitable achievement of climate targets that support the best interests of all parties. Additionally, governments and companies must increase women's representation in STEM and sustainability-related fields and ensure equal participation in reskilling efforts across major sectors, as women currently represent only 36% of STEM job roles globally. Concerted action in these areas will advance gender equity and the global effort to reach net zero.

Evident’s Commitment to Gender Equity and Sustainability

At Evident, we recognise the vital role women play in shaping the future of sustainability. By celebrating their achievements, amplifying their voices, and providing opportunities for growth and leadership. Looking ahead, we aim to harness the collective power of women to drive positive change, protect our planet, and build a more sustainable world for future generations. Together, we can turn the tide on climate change and create a brighter, greener future for all. At Evident, we remain steadfast in our commitment, celebrating the essential contributions of women in the green economy and working tirelessly to ensure their voices and innovations shape the sustainable world of tomorrow.

We asked our team to share their perspectives on women in green energy. Here's what they had to say:

Why is it important for women to work in the renewable energy sector/clean economy?

"Gender gaps persist in the energy sector, which has historically been male-dominated. We are working towards achieving equality in this field." - Yasmin Mouse

"Women influence or make many family purchases related to energy." - Linda Sinclair

"Diversity is a strength and the perspectives of women, as part of that diversity, must be included in the future of clean energy to ensure the disproportionate impact of climate change on women is addressed and not perpetuated." - Carol Clarke

What unique perspective do women bring to the sector?

"Women in green energy bring unique perspectives, emphasise community focused solutions, and foster inclusivity, enhancing and complementing traditional approaches" - Adimante Kibartaite

"My own perspective is that women have a more positive attitude to how we can mitigate the effect of climate change and our belief that all contributions no matter how small combined together make a difference, this mindset is so important in our industry." - Mary Jones

What advice would you give to a woman who wanted to work in this field?

"Be an advocate for diversity and inclusion within the industry. Support initiatives and organisations that promote gender equality in the energy sector." - Yasmin Mouse

"Don't be discouraged from applying for positions, seeking promotions, or climbing the leadership ladder. The corporate landscape is evolving, offering increased visibility and accessibility for women in male-dominated fields. It's crucial to push beyond comfort zones and not let intimidation hinder career advancement." - Isabelle Bolger

What inspired you to pursue a career the clean economy?

"Contributing to an area of work that protects our planet is hugely rewarding. Evident has provided me the unique opportunity to join this sector within a working culture where the voices of women were already included and embedded in their leadership." - Carol Clarke

"It was driven by a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society. Over recent years, witnessing the severe impact of climate change, including natural disasters across the globe, I felt compelled to act. I believe that focusing on clean energy is the need of the hour, and it's important for everyone to do what they can to ensure a happier, sustainable, and more equitable world." - Parul Pawaskar