Summary

Funded by JPMorganChase, PolicyWise for Children & Families carried out an environmental scan to examine the state of women’s involvement in Alberta’s green energy workforce, a rapidly growing sector.

The Report presents insights into the current landscape, barriers, opportunities, and policy recommendations to enhance women’s long-term and impactful participation in green energy careers. While major barriers exist, including gender-based biases, workplace cultures that are not conducive to women's participation, lack of awareness of green energy careers, challenges in accessing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and inadequate child care options, the report highlights several opportunities and recommendations, including increasing youth engagement and awareness of green energy careers, expanding mentorship programs, strengthening industry-nonprofit partnerships, supporting women entrepreneurs with equitable resources, and promoting economic reconciliation through Indigenous community leadership in green energy projects.

Policy & Practice Implications

• By gaining a deeper understanding of the barriers and enablers that impact women and gender-diverse individuals’ engagement in the green energy sector, policy makers can create more effective strategies and policies that enhance inclusion and participation.
• Partnerships between industry and non-profit organizations can catalyze progress in the green energy sector by raising awareness of green energy careers for young women, developing champions for change, improving accountability, implementing industry-partnered child care solutions, and supporting economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
• Industry leaders and policy makers can promote a more inclusive green energy sector by addressing gaps in the Employment Pathway, such as increasing women’s representation in leadership, providing mentorship opportunities, improving access to training, and offering equitable support for women entrepreneurs.
• The report highlights promising practices and innovative initiatives that policy makers, industry leaders, and organizations can adopt for increasing women’s participation in the green energy sector.