2023 AWEaP Webinar Series -10- Report

The final webinar of the year organised by AWEaP brought together experts and industry leaders to delve into the theme of “Advancing Gender Equality in the Energy Sector of North Africa: An In-depth Exploration of Employment Equity Challenges and Solutions.”

Rockwell Automation, serving as the platinum sponsor, delivered an insightful presentation that underscored the pivotal role of advancing technology across various segments of the energy sector. The discourse elucidated how technological progress contributes to mitigating gender-specific challenges and cultivating an environment of inclusivity.

The Association Nationale Energy Cities contributed to the dialogue by explaining the escalating trend of women pursuing higher education in Algeria, where women now outnumber men in university enrolment. Additionally, the organisation recognised the nation’s strides in incorporating women into non-traditional roles.

Insights from AWEaP’s Tunisia chairperson shed light on gender equality advancements within Tunisia and highlighted noteworthy milestones in the country’s energy and power sector. Notably, the achievement of producing Tunisia’s inaugural electric car, a landmark initiative acknowledged at COP28, resonated amid the backdrop of the ongoing global climate crisis.

The ensuing panel discussion redirected its focus towards the spotlight on employment equity within the energy and power sector. Speakers articulated the evolving mindsets, the escalating courage of girls, and the imperative of constructing prototypes. Emphasis was placed on the necessity for women to specialise in STEM fields, coupled with a resounding call to dismantle barriers within the industry.

An industry consultant echoed the mounting interest of women in the North African energy sector, accentuating the crucial need for representation in STEM fields. A resolute call for tangible actions over mere discourse on gender inequalities reverberated, accentuating the imperative of an expansive strategy to eliminate gender disparities. The significance of utilising data to gauge progress was underscored, acknowledging persistent challenges such as the dearth of women in leadership positions and representation.

Notwithstanding the prevailing instability in Libya, GECOL, the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, recognised the imperative for a substantial improvement in women’s participation in the energy and power sector. Despite 93 percent of women being employed in general positions, a concerted effort persists to amplify representation, even for women assuming roles as wives and mothers.

In the examination of the East Mediterranean region, Egypt emerged with one of the lowest rates of women employed in the energy sector. The persistence of a gender equality gap was evident, with a mere 22 percent of employees in the oil and gas sector being women. This underscored the urgency for initiatives aimed at bridging this disparity.

Ifirsolar shared perspectives on the ascendancy of its solar business, not only in Tunisia but on a global scale. The entrepreneur underscored the pivotal role of educating women in corporate leadership, with an overarching aim to effectuate practical expansion that is cost-efficient and contributes to an inclusive ecosystem.

The webinar provided a comprehensive exploration of challenges and solutions pertinent to gender equality within the North African energy sector. Speakers accentuated the strides made, underscored the exigency for sustained efforts, and highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration in fostering a more inclusive and equitable energy landscape. As the industry undergoes evolution, there exists a shared commitment to dismantling barriers and cultivating an environment where women can flourish, contribute, and assume leadership roles within the dynamic energy and power sector.