On March 13, 2025, the European Commission headquarters in Zagreb hosted the conference “Tipping the Scale: Increasing Gender Equality in the European Energy Sector”, organized by the Society for Sustainable Development Design (DOOR) and supported by partners Focus (Slovenia), ESF (Spain), and WECF (Germany). The event brought together numerous experts, female leaders, and decision-makers with the aim of empowering women in the energy sector and encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers.
The conference was intended to be a platform to widen the discussion on the gender aspects of the European energy sector’s past, present and future between all stakeholders. To that end, the conference gathered women from different areas, however, all dedicated to the improvement of the gender dimension of public policies, education, labour market and private and public energy sector. Although the project was focused on the energy sector, the dicussion went further than the energy sector, emphasizing the inclusion and diversity in general.
The conference was also an opportunity to demonstrate the outcomes and achievements of the project’s activities from the past two years. Hopefully, the conference ignited new ideas and collaborations.
Sexism and Gender Stereotypes in the Energy Sector
The Ombudsperson for Gender Equality, Višnja Ljubičić, emphasized that gender stereotypes remain a key factor in workplace inequality. Although interest in STEM is growing, data shows that women are still underrepresented in the energy sector. For example, in Croatia, they make up only 22% of the workforce in electricity, gas, and air conditioning supply industries.
One of the main issues is discrimination in hiring, non-renewal of contracts due to pregnancy, gender pay and pension gaps, and the difficulty women face in career advancement within the sector. Recommendations included strengthening teacher training, preventing gender stereotypes in education, and encouraging girls to participate in STEM activities.
Analysis of Gender Policies and Barriers for Women
Kiara Groneweg from the organization WECF presented a comparative analysis of gender policies in Croatia, Germany, Slovenia, and Spain. The results indicate that highly educated women in STEM fields often underestimate their abilities and have low self-confidence, while their expertise is frequently questioned in male-dominated work environments.
Gender Dimension of Public Policies
The panel “Gender Dimension of Public Policies” featured speakers Marija Lugarić, Rada Borić, and Katarina Ivanković Knežević. The discussion covered the low representation of women in leadership positions within the energy sector and the necessity of political and corporate commitment to achieving gender equality.
- “The largest companies in Croatia, such as HEP, JANAF, and Croatia Airlines, do not have a single woman in their management boards,” highlighted Rada Borić, pointing out systemic barriers to women’s advancement in the industry.
Bridging the Gap: Education and Employment
Another panel discussion, titled “Bridging the Gap – Gender, Education, and Employment in the Energy Sector”, highlighted challenges and opportunities for women in the industry. Laura Musić from Siemens Energy noted that stereotypes still pose a barrier and that working conditions in the energy sector are often not suited to women.
Natalia Calavita from EIT RawMaterials warned about misconceptions regarding careers in energy: “Students and young professionals lack a clear understanding of what working in this sector entails. We need to better showcase the opportunities and advantages of these careers.”
Ivana Krstanović Vinac from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) shared positive trends in female employment and highlighted support programs and professional development initiatives that can help reduce the gender gap.
Best practices
Ema Micevska and Natalia Calavita from the Girls Go Circular initiative presented their project. Ema, a young ambassador from North Macedonia, participated in the Girls Go Circular training and showcased her experience as a young ambassador of this initiative. Paula Damaška (ZEZ) introduced the WISE project on energy solidarity. Marilys Louvet (WECF) examined funding challenges in times of gender backlashes. Giulia M. Mininni from the University of Manchester and GENERATE project presented gender and precarity at the energy frontier in the Western Balkan
Conclusion
The conference emphasized that achieving equality requires systemic changes in education, employment, and public policy. Key recommendations include:
- Gender-sensitive curricula
- Strengthening mentorship programs
- Inclusive hiring strategies
- Promoting equal pay and female leadership representation
Change is possible through the joint efforts of all sectors, and conferences like this provide concrete guidelines for the future of gender equality in the energy industry.
