How to Build a Gender-Balanced Solar Sector Workforce in the Brazilian Energy Transition

Worldwide, numbers have shown that the energy sector working force is male dominated. In Brazil, the reality is not different. A national recent study conducted in the solar photovoltaic energy sector found that 40% of the responding companies had no women in their workforce. In companies with up to ten employees, only 16% were female. Fortunately, more and more studies are investigating gender unbalance in the energy sector. However, a lack of practical solutions to solve the issue and create a culture of gender equity in the field is noted. Therefore, the objective of this chapter is to identify and discuss actions that aim at the inclusion and retention of women in solar energy in Brazil, based on practical recommendations, to make the sector more attractive to women and thus promote gender equity as well as energy diversification and transition. In this context, the chapter presents the main barriers for women, strategies to face them and some of their possible positive impacts. Four key areas were considered: (1) education, training and access to information; (2) economic opportunities; (3) health and well-being, with a focus on combating gender violence and supporting parenthood; and (4) participation and leadership.