Why is the inclusion of women essential to building a sustainable, resilient and inclusive energy future?
Women are often the first to experience the impact of unreliable or unaffordable energy because it directly affects their families and communities. In navigating these challenges, they learn to innovate, adapt and create practical solutions.
Their lived socio-economic experiences bring valuable ideas, skills and leadership to the energy sector. Including women also leads to more inclusive and equitable decision-making, resulting in solutions that are better informed, more practical and more responsive to the needs of society.
From your perspective, what progress have you seen in advancing women’s participation and leadership within the energy sector over recent years?
Both the public and private sectors have become increasingly intentional about advancing women in the energy industry. We’ve seen greater representation of women in senior leadership positions and an increase in women entering technical roles.
However, women continue to face challenges that their male counterparts often do not, particularly as they balance growing careers with responsibilities to their families and communities. More can be done to improve women’s socio-economic circumstances so that even more women can enter, contribute to and advance within the energy sector.
Can you share an example of an initiative or intervention that has successfully supported women in energy and created meaningful impact?
One initiative that has made a meaningful difference is the Further Studies Initiative, which funds and enables women to pursue further education.
By expanding access to education and skills development, the programme strengthens technical expertise, builds confidence and supports career progression. Its impact can be seen in the growing number of women advancing into senior roles, helping to strengthen and inspire the next generation of women energy professionals.
How can organisations create environments where women are empowered to thrive, lead and contribute meaningfully across the energy value chain?
Organisations need to engage with women regularly, listen to their experiences and adapt policies that address their challenges while protecting their dignity.
This includes practical measures such as flexible working arrangements, hybrid work options, mothers’ rooms, appropriate personal protective equipment designed for women, and equitable access to training and further study opportunities.
Equally important are structured leadership development programmes that combine mentorship, sponsorship, executive coaching, technical leadership training, board readiness and succession planning. When these initiatives are linked to measurable career progression outcomes, women are not only trained but also positioned and supported for meaningful leadership opportunities.
What opportunities do you see for women to play a greater role in shaping South Africa’s energy transition?
Women have already made significant contributions to South Africa’s energy transition, but there is still enormous potential for greater representation in senior leadership, policymaking and strategic decision-making.
The greatest opportunities lie in sector-focused leadership programmes that prepare women for roles across generation, transmission, distribution, renewable energy, regulation, research and energy transition initiatives.
Women should seize these opportunities to develop specialised leadership capabilities and help shape the future of South Africa’s energy sector.
