On International Women’s Day we take time to reflect on the progress made so far and drive the call for further change, whilst celebrating inspirational achievements of women around the world.
Women currently make up 47% of the world’s working population and have achieved 51% of the sustainability sphere’s employees globally, however women account for just 13% of board members within the UK tech sector, and just 7% within the UK energy sector. Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are predominantly studied by men; this is considered a fundamental reason as to why there is a concerning lack of women working within the energy and renewables industries.
The green economy has a long way to go in balancing gender representation. Activists may have made progress in their campaign to diversify the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), however this example of an initial all-male leadership team being instated helps to highlight the problematic landscape. Men still dominate many fields and areas that are vital in the transition to net zero.
The crisis brought about by the pandemic has helped to expose existing inequalities in gender, class, race and culture. In order to drive far-reaching sustainability, we must make room for diverse and under-represented voices. Inclusion and diversity will allow for broader conversations and solutions to the world’s most pressing issues – accommodating everyone as we transition to a more sustainable world.
Here at The Future Economy Network we are privileged to collaborate with a wealth of brilliant and accomplished women. In a recent event in which we discussed sustainability, diversity and leadership, we were joined by Network member Rachel Bell, Director at Stride Treglown. Working in the male-dominated industry of Architecture, Rachel spoke about the importance of gender diversity and role models before giving her call to action – to talk about what we are inspired by and what we are learning, as well as to be as visible as possible in pushing sustainability. Doing so can help to mobilise a new generation of female leaders who work towards a sustainable future.
Happy International Women’s Day to all of those who make a difference in their own way, no matter how large or small, from all of the team at Future Leap.