A series of training sessions focusing on gender equality in the energy sector took place in Croatia throughout March 2025.
Organized by DOOR, these events gathered various stakeholders, including researchers, students, employees, and representatives from the private and public sectors, to discuss the challenges, policies, and opportunities for women in the energy industry.
Training on Energy Sector and Gender Equality (March 4, 2025 – Slavonski Brod)
The first training, titled “Energetski sektor i rodna ravnopravnost” (Energy Sector and Gender Equality), was held face-to-face in Slavonski Brod. The session lasted 45 minutes and was attended by nine female participants, including eight high school teachers and a principal. Discussions focused on traditional gender roles and their impact on career choices, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in energy-related professions. Participants explored key statistics, such as women making up only 24% of the global energy workforce, with slightly higher representation in renewables (32%). Many attendees reported gaining a new perspective on gender disparities in energy careers and policy development.
Women in Energy: Challenges, Policies, and Opportunities (March 4, 2025 – Slavonski Brod)
A second session was also conducted on March 4, 2025, under the title “Women in Energy: Challenges, Policies, and Opportunities.” This event, attended by four female employees in private company.
Women in Energy: Stakeholder Engagement (March 18, 2025 – Zaprešić)
On March 18, 2025, a live training was held in Dvorac Lužnica, Zaprešić, targeting stakeholders from authorities, CSOs, the private sector, and academia. This session attracted 18 participants (2 female, 16 male) from 14 different organizations, including the City of Zagreb, LG Electronics, and Tehnička škola Sisak. The training was conducted during the HSUSE annual assembly, featuring presentations on EUWES pilot country comparisons and Croatia’s national gender policies in the energy sector. Additionally, results from an anonymous survey among women in the energy industry were shared, sparking discussions on experiences and challenges in the field.
Empowering Female Students in the Energy Sector (March 19, 2025 – Slavonski Brod)
A large-scale training session was held on March 19, 2025, in Slavonski Brod, engaging 71 female high school students from Tehnička gimnazija Slavonski Brod. The workshop covered critical topics, including the effects of current energy models on climate change and social inequality. Participants also explored the energy transition and its potential to create a fairer job market. Through group exercises, students brainstormed ideas on creating a just energy model, necessary policy measures, and future job opportunities in the energy transition.
What Do Gender and Energy Have in Common? (March 20, 2025 – Slavka Batušića 7)
The final training in the series, titled “What Do Gender and Energy Have in Common?,” took place on March 20, 2025, in Slavka Batušića 7. The session welcomed six female participants, including four university students from Tehničko veleučilište u Zagrebu and two employees from private companies (Končar and Nenad Keramika). Discussions emphasized the persistence of traditional gender roles in shaping career paths and wage disparities. Key insights were shared on the slow yet steady inclusion of women in the renewable energy sector, with attendees reflecting on how workplace policies influence their career growth.
Conclusion
The March 2025 training sessions organized by DOOR provided a vital platform for stakeholders and beneficiaries to discuss gender disparities in the energy sector. From high school students to industry professionals, attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about the barriers women face in technical fields and explored potential solutions to foster equality. With a growing focus on inclusivity, these discussions mark an important step towards bridging the gender gap in the energy workforce.
