Unlocking Just Energy Transition: empowering women’s participation and agency in regional value chains, research, and innovation ecosystems

The renewable energy sector offers diverse career opportunities across the value chain, requiring a wide range of skills and talents. Policy reform, financial access, institutional support, and integrated solutions are essential to recognising women’s contribution and embedding gender equality throughout the renewable energy value chain – from mineral processing and manufacturing to energy delivery – particularly in the Global South (IGF, 2018; Perks & Hungwe-Nharara, 2025). The full participation of women and girls in climate action ensures the inclusion of 100% of the population, enables access to more effective climate solutions, strengthens community resilience, addresses vulnerability, and enhances the recognition of women in climate planning (UN Climate Change, 2023).