Happy International Women’s Day
Unleashing the Power of Diversity in Biogas Sector
As we commemorate International Women’s Day today, it’s an opportune moment to recognize and highlight the invaluable contributions women make to the rapidly evolving biogas industry. While significant progress has been achieved, there remains vast untapped potential in fully embracing gender diversity and inclusion.
The energy sector has traditionally been male-dominated, but the tides are turning. Research consistently demonstrates that companies with higher gender diversity outperform their less diverse counterparts financially. By fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse perspectives, we unlock a wellspring of innovation and drive sustainable progress.
The biogas industry, at the forefront of renewable energy solutions, is well-positioned to lead by example. However, a 2022 World Biogas Association (WBA) survey revealed several areas for improvement. For example, women comprise less than 30% of the workforce in half of the companies surveyed. Over 50% of companies have women in less than 25% of their senior leadership teams with 1 in 5 having no women at all in upper management. Empowering women in the biogas sector is not merely a matter of equity; it’s a strategic imperative for excellence. By tapping into the unique insights and experiences women bring to the table, we catalyze innovation and drive sustainable solutions that benefit us all.
In rural communities, where biogas can profoundly impact lives, women are essential stakeholders. Traditionally responsible for managing biofuels and household energy needs, their perspectives are invaluable in shaping sustainable development. Biogas initiatives empower women as builders, maintainers, and trainers, creating green jobs and strengthening their roles as key contributors to rural economies. Household air pollution, which was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020 (WHO, 2023), disproportionately affects women and children who are typically responsible for household chores such as cooking and collecting firewood, bearing the greatest health burden from the use of polluting fuels and technologies in homes. Empowering women through biogas initiatives not only addresses this critical health issue but also promotes their economic and social empowerment, making them catalysts for sustainable development in rural areas.
The World Biogas Association is committed to leading the charge for gender parity in the industry. The WBA’s Women in Biogas working group is now preparing to launch a pioneering mentorship program, facilitating personalized advice-sharing to uplift women into leadership roles, promote biogas as a global career path, and address gender-specific challenges.
At WBA, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are essential drivers of innovation, performance and progress. By empowering women in the biogas sector, we tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and talents that catalyze groundbreaking solutions. Our upcoming Women in Biogas mentorship program is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of female leaders who will shape the future of this vital industry. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in biogas and reaffirm our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are championed and valued.
Charlotte Morton OBE, CEO, World Biogas Association
On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the biogas sector and renew our commitment to cultivating a culture of inclusion and empowerment. Together, we can unleash the power of diversity, fuel innovation, and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Did you take the 2024 Women in Biogas Survey yet?
In 2021 the World Biogas Association established its Women in Biogas working group with the purpose of inspiring women to get into the industry and empowering them to excel. Recognising the importance of having a baseline, we conducted the Women in Biogas – Baseline Survey in 2022.
We have launched a new survey to gather evidence on the current status of women in the global biogas sector. The 2024 survey will capture up-to-date data on the current status of the sector in order to report on and measure the prevalence and success of women. Both women and men from across the globe are invited to take part in this two-part survey which should take approximately 9 minutes to complete.
Please respond to the survey below by 20th March.
