Green jobs and the problem of gender disparity

Context:

The gender disparities observed in green jobs and the imperative of empowering women within the framework of low-carbon transitions underscores the hurdles faced by women in accessing opportunities in environmentally sustainable sectors and advocates for inclusive strategies to address these challenges.

Gender Disparities in Green Jobs:

• Underrepresentation: Despite the potential for 35 million green jobs in India by 2047, women remain significantly underrepresented in sectors such as renewable energy and manufacturing.
• Gender disparities: Existing data reveals stark gender disparities in training for green skills, with social norms and safety concerns limiting women's participation in technical roles.
• Unequal distribution: The unequal distribution of green jobs perpetuates gender biases in the labor market and constrains women's economic empowerment and agency.

Addressing Data Gaps and Structural Barriers:

• Limited data on women's participation in green jobs underscores the need for sex-disaggregated data collection and gender analysis to understand the landscape better.
• Overcoming structural barriers, including inadequate representation in STEM fields and societal norms, requires targeted policies and interventions to enhance women's access to green job opportunities.
• COP 28's initiative on 'Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership' highlights the global commitment to inclusivity in transition planning and the importance of data-driven strategies.

Strategies for Women's Empowerment:

• Bridging the gender gap in STEM education and promoting early hands-on learning and mentorship can enhance women's participation in key sectors for green transition.
• Tailored financial policies, including collateral-free lending and financial literacy training, are essential to support women entrepreneurs entering the green economy.
• Promoting women's leadership in decision-making processes and fostering partnerships across sectors are critical for ensuring gender equity and inclusivity in low-carbon development strategies.