The Women in Wind Global Leadership Program has released a best practice guide for gender diversity at conferences and exhibitions in the global wind industry.
‘Best Practices for Gender Diversity at Industry Events’ compiles best practices for gender diversity in key aspects of events such as planning, speakers, programming, networking and communications.
The document’s release coincides with COP25’s Gender Day in Madrid, where 14 wind energy associations have committed to uphold best practices for gender diversity at their future industry events.
Women in Wind Global Leadership Program is a joint initiative between the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET).
GWEC policy and operations director Joyce Lee said: “The wind industry can be a leader in promoting the role of women as agents of change, collaborators and innovators in the global energy transition.
“As an industry built around sustainability, our events should reflect the workforce of the future. GWEC organises events for the wind industry worldwide, and we recognise that diversity challenges differ in each country.
“That’s why these best practices are designed to be adapted to different local contexts. Globally, from Brazil to Japan, we hope this guide will empower and showcase female leadership in wind energy and help to inspire the next generation of women in wind.”
The alignment of best practices in the wind energy industry is part of a global effort to empower female leadership and increase diversity in the wind energy sector, according to the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program.
In 2020, the initiative said it will “scale-up mentorship and career development activities” under the programme and will launch the nomination of ‘Ambassadors for Women in Wind’ in countries around the world.
GWNET executive director Christine Lins said, “Events are important to highlight the values and trends in an industry, and gender diversity should be a priority for industries leading the energy transition.
“GWNET is thrilled to see so many wind associations around the world committing to increasing inclusivity at their events, and we hope to see other key energy transition technologies join the wind sector in this important initiative.”
Endorsing associations include ABEEolica, Associacion Uruguaya de Energias Renovables (AUDER), Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Global Wind Organisation (GWO), Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET), Japan Wind Energy Association (JWEA), Japan Wind Power Association (JWPA), Mongolian Wind Energy Association (MonWEA), Norwegian Energy Partners (NORWEP), Turkish Wind Energy Association (TWEA/TUREB), RenewableUK the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), Wind Denmark and WindEurope.