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.