D3.2 - Policy brief: Gender Sensitive Education for Energy

As the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation - driven by the green transition, digitalization, and increasing societal demands for sustainability - education emerges as a decisive arena shaping the future of citizens, communities, as well as different areas such as labour market. The proper energy education creates new opportunities for governments, institutions, and local actors to build more inclusive, informed, and resilient societies. First, inclusiveness in energy education is no longer optional. Ensuring equal access to knowledge about energy - from everyday consumption to participation in the energy transition - helps prevent both social and energy-related exclusion. It also forms the foundation of a just transition that leaves no individual or community behind. Second, developing innovative knowledge for social change serves as a catalyst for new models of thinking and action. Interdisciplinary learning that integrates science, technology, and social understanding fosters creativity, pro-environmental attitudes, and the competencies essential for a low-carbon economy. Third, the growing importance of energy citizenship, informed energy consumption, and education for careers in the energy sector highlights the need to empower learners. Education enables people to shift from being passive energy users to active participants who understand and engage with the tools of the transition - from energy efficiency to local energy production. At the same time, it opens pathways towards careers in renewable energy, emerging technologies, and energy management, addressing global workforce needs. An equally critical dimension of the energy–education nexus is gender equality. Women and girls remain underrepresented in STEM fields, particularly in energy-related studies and professions, despite their crucial role in driving social and technological innovation. Integrating gender-sensitive approaches into curricula, leadership programmes, and career guidance can help dismantle barriers that limit participation and advancement. By promoting female role models, ensuring inclusive learning environments, and addressing gender stereotypes embedded in both education and the energy sector, policymakers can unlock the full potential of diverse talent. Strengthening gender equality not only contributes to a more equitable society but also expands the workforce needed for an effective, innovative, and socially responsive energy transition.These pillars outline the essential directions for ensuring that education systems become a driving force behind a just, sustainable, and innovative energy transition.