The energy sector, including the sector of concentrated solar technologies, is a male-dominated sector [see IRENA report “Renewable Energy: A Gender Perspective]. Studies show that many underrepresented genders are deterred from participating in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) industries because of structural gender inequities [2]. Underrepresented genders include cis women, trans women, trans men, non-binary people, and people who may be questioning their gender.
It is discouraging for the sector, as all genders bring different skills and perspectives to the workplace, including different attitudes to risk and collaboration. Researchers also argue that there is a financial gain for companies with a more gender-equal approach [3].
With these challenges in mind, we created this group for women and underrepresented genders working in the sector of concentrated solar technologies, to support, bring visibility and increase the participation of underrepresented genders in this sector in a way that includes diverse backgrounds, attitudes, and perspectives.
Vocabulary
Sex refers to biology. Sex is determined by several biological features, according to
functions that derive from the chromosomal complement, reproductive organs, or
specific hormones or environmental factors that affect the expression of phenotypic
traits (morphology) in sexually reproducing organisms. In humans, sex refers to the
biological attributes that distinguish male, female, or intersex. In non-human
animals, sex refers to biological attributes that distinguish male, female, or
hermaphrodite. In engineering & product design research, sex includes anatomical
and physiological characteristics that may impact the design of products, systems,
and processes. Sex differences may be relevant for many R&I projects.
Gender refers to sociocultural norms, identities and relations that categorise people,
From Horizon Europe Programme Guide
structure societies and organisations, and shape behaviours, products, technologies,
environments, and knowledge. Gender attitudes and behaviours are complex and
change across time and place, as cultural norms and values change. How we speak,
our mannerisms, the things we use and our behaviours all signal who we are and
establish rules for interaction. Gender is an organising principle that structures
behaviours, attitudes, physical appearance and habits. We generally consider three
related dimensions of gender: gender norms (socio-cultural expectations of what is
appropriate for women, men or gender-diverse individuals, often relying on gender
stereotypes), gender identities (how individuals or groups perceive and present
themselves in relation to gender norms, with most commonly used categories
including: woman, man, and non-binary or gender-diverse) and gender relations
(how sex and gender shape social interactions in families, schools, workplaces and
public settings, often involving power relations). As such, gender can be an
important aspect of research and design.
.