In the rapidly evolving landscape of distributed renewable energy (DRE), SHEnergy Consulting, a subsidiary of local non-government organization Ethiopian Women in Energy Association (EWiEn), stands out for its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Founded in 2023, SHEnergy Consulting, the business-oriented arm of EWiEn, is at the forefront of creating effective pathways for women’s involvement in sustainable development and innovation in the sector.
This organization is not just another entity in the renewable energy industry; it serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment. EWiEn's mission is to close the gender gap in the energy sector by strengthening women's roles as consumers, employees, and entrepreneurs through networking, spotlighting, advocating, mentoring, training, and more. Lewam Teklu, general manager of SHEnergy, summarized this in 2024: "The association is focused on advocacy, giving visibility to women, helping make connections, and preparing technical and soft-skills training for women in the renewable energy sector."
This initiative is more than just business; it's about creating a supportive ecosystem where profits fuel the mission to uplift more women into leadership roles to help drive this green revolution.
The challenges women trying to break into the sector face are significant and multifaceted. They face a daunting array of obstacles, from entrenched self-perception issues to cultural and religious norms that limit their participation and recognition. Lewam shares, "The first thing that I see or observe, is the self-perception...on top of that there is the culture and the religious norms that underestimate women". SHEnergy is committed to changing the narrative to help overcome these challenges by offering training and connections to help women shine in leadership positions traditionally dominated by men.
The impact of gender bias and cultural norms cannot be overstated; they skew self-perception and restrict access to opportunities. This bias extends to the allocation of roles, with women often sidelined to administrative tasks rather than being encouraged to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) career paths–especially in fields such as water and sanitation and electric distribution where fieldwork is crucial.
Yet, amidst these challenges, the DRE sector offers a historic opportunity. Women entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector are making significant strides, venturing into businesses like supplying pico solar systems, solar home systems, and utilizing biogas for urban agriculture. These pioneers are not just increasing participation; they are forging the way toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
The renewable energy sector is ripe with possibilities for job creation and economic growth, particularly if it continues to embrace a more inclusive approach. Practical training and pilot projects are essential to effectively harness solar and renewable energy technologies, addressing the urgent need for hands-on learning experiences that outpace traditional classroom settings. Lewam emphasizes the need for practical training: "All we need is the training... They need to practice it, there's pilot projects... So there is a potential and we can also create a platform".
However, the journey is far from smooth. Female entrepreneurs often struggle with limited access to capital and prohibitive interest rates, challenges that are magnified in rural areas. This is where SHEnergy's visionary goals come into play. The organization aims to assess renewable technologies, foster an enabling environment for their implementation in Ethiopia, and provide professional development training for women entrepreneurs and young girls.The journey towards a diverse workforce in the renewable energy sector is filled with obstacles. However, thanks to the tireless work organizations such as the EWiEn and SHEnergy, leaders like Lewam, and their collaborative partners, the vision of a sustainable and equitable future is increasingly within reach. By turning challenges into opportunities, they are capitalizing on this historic opportunity to ensure diversity in renewable energy, paving the way for future generations.
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED ON BEHALF OF IRENA FOR DECENTRALIZED SOLAR PV: A GENDER PERSPECTIVE (2024) REPORT