Empowering Women in Hydropower
The gender-focused activities within Action CA 21104 on sustainable hydropower aim to address the significant gender disparity in the hydropower sector, where women comprise only about 25% of the workforce, according to an ESMAP-World Bank study from Oct 2023"Power with Full Force - Getting to Gender Equality in the Hydropower Sector" https://www.esmap.org/Gender-and-Hydropower. To combat the current imbalance, the Action has implemented a mentoring program specifically designed for women, with the ambitious goal of increasing female representation to 50% in the working groups by the program's conclusion. On a leading level women in the Action were 50% from the start and are staying close to this parity.
Mentoring is a powerful tool that offers long-term guidance and support. The relationship between mentor and mentee allows senior women to share their knowledge and experience, helping younger women navigate career challenges and fostering essential skills like self-reflection and self-awareness. The mentoring process aims to enhance visibility and boost self-confidence, particularly in male-dominated fields like hydropower.
In addition to the mentoring program, the Women’s Mentoring group has announced to hold a series of webinars aimed at equipping both mentees and mentors with critical knowledge and skills. The first webinar in June 2024 focused on gender issues within the hydropower sector, using insights from the recent ESMAP/World Bank study. This data-driven session provided participants with a clear understanding of the current landscape.
The second seminar, held as a hybrid training workshop will concentrate on practical training for self-presentation, emphasizing the importance of effectively communicating one’s skills. It’s vital for women to not only develop their skills but also to present them confidently and underlines the significance of professional self-presentation in career advancement. The final webinar will explore self-perception and authenticity, guiding participants to embrace their unique strengths and align their values with their professional ambitions.
Encouraging mentees to adopt a habit of self-reflection, supported by their mentors, enables them to grow continuously, as does the value of building connections with other women in the sector. These networks foster a sense of belonging and mutual support. On top of this, mentees experience role models who’ve succeeded in similar environments. This helps to strengthen mentees' belief that they, too, can achieve their goals.
Through initiatives like Action CA 21104, women are taking significant steps to empower other women in sustainable hydropower, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the sector.