A significant discussion on gender equality in the energy sector took place at the recent “Employ Women, Empower the Pacific” event organized by the Pacific Power Association and the World Bank’s Pacific Women in Power Program. This gathering attracted various stakeholders, including government officials, energy leaders, academics, civil society members, and international partners, all focusing on increasing women’s employment in the Pacific’s energy industry.
The dialogue highlighted the substantial challenges faced by women in this traditionally male-dominated sector and emphasized the untapped economic potential their involvement could bring. Helle Buchhave, a Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, shared revealing data showing that over half a million working-age women in the Pacific remain outside the formal economy. Currently, only 43 percent of Pacific women participate in the labor force compared to around 60 percent of men, portraying a critical gender disparity that not only hampers women’s empowerment but also impedes economic growth.
Buchhave elaborated on the economic implications of bridging this gap, suggesting that closing the gender divide in labor force participation could lead to an estimated 22 percent increase in GDP per capita across the region. The challenges identified include a lack of supportive institutions, inadequate family-friendly policies, weak legal frameworks, and cultural norms that hinder women’s professional development.
Tara Chetty from the Pacific Community highlighted the necessity for a multi-sectoral approach to address these barriers. The Pacific Energy and Gender Strategic Action Plan (PICSAP) was underscored as a vital framework for integrating gender equality with climate action and promoting sustainable energy futures. She pointed out that initiatives should focus on assessing energy and climate curricula while establishing mentoring and networking opportunities for women and girls in the energy sector.
Moreover, Dr. Daniel Wood from the University of the South Pacific stressed the importance of early interventions in education to inspire girls to pursue STEM fields. He noted the alarming drop in female participation in engineering disciplines, advocating for a cultural shift to remove the longstanding biases that discourage girls from engaging in science and engineering from a young age.
As the Pacific encounters rapid urbanization and economic demands for a skilled workforce, there is an urgent call for women’s inclusion in the energy sector and beyond. Buchhave concluded the discussions with a powerful remark: “Empowering women in energy is not just inclusion; it’s smart economics and an investment in the region’s future.”
This collective commitment to fostering gender equality in various sectors not only positions countries towards economic revitalization but also builds a foundation for a more equitable society. Continued advocacy and collaborative efforts across multiple platforms can potentially create a future where women actively contribute to economic development in the Pacific.
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