The clean energy transition in India provides enormous potential to embrace a larger female workforce compared to the conventional energy sector. India’s commitment towards renewable energy target of 175 GW (gigawatts) in installed capacity by 2022 provides the opportunity to achieve four of the Sustainable Development Goals, namely, SDG 7 on access to affordable clean energy, SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 13 on climate change mitigation. Employment in the clean energy sector has often been associated with positive phrases, such as “new and dynamic” and “contributing to the society through clean energy”, and it is known to offer a “flexible work environment”. These perceptions provide the opportunity to create a more gender-balanced workforce in the sector.
The need for greater inclusion of women in workforce has been discussed extensively in the literature on labour studies. Studies have revealed a positive correlation among the factors of gender diversity of the workforce, the leadership of an organization, and better financial performance. As per the estimates of International Monetary Fund,1 India would be richer by 27% if it balances the gender profile of its workforce. Women’s involvement in the paid job market leads to their increased financial autonomy, resulting in improved intrahousehold power dynamics, reducing the likelihood of domestic abuse by male family members, increased spending that benefits their children,2 and improving the standard of living for women and their families.3
Why Rooftop Solar?
This story is from the January - March 2020 edition of Energy Future.
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This story is from the January - March 2020 edition of Energy Future.
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