Driving Change: Women Empowering the Energy Sector in Jordan
On November 25, 2024, the "Women in the Energy Sector" event brought together professionals, policymakers, and experts to discuss gender equity and women's empowerment within Jordan’s energy sector. The event was co-chaired by Rasha Abu-Marar, Co-Leader of the Working Group Women in the Energy Sector and Carolin Krolik, the German counterpart. With women historically underrepresented in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the energy sector, being one of the most crucial STEM industries, has been no exception. The event aimed to promote meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions to enhance gender equality in the energy industry.
The day began with a presentation of the Gender Analysis of Jordan’s energy sector, conducted by the EDAMA team. This analysis highlighted the current gender disparities in the field, setting the stage for the interactive discussions to follow. One of the primary topics discussed was the importance of women in leadership positions within the energy sector.
The afternoon included a keynote from a leading German company in the energy sector. Susanne Fabry, Executive Board Member of RheinEnergie AG, shared best practices for promoting gender equality, inspiring the attendees with successful examples from Germany.
Networking is a vital part of career growth, and the event provided ample opportunities for women to meet especially women who engage for the same goal. Despite the progress, many challenges remain. The most prominent challenge identified by the attendees was the lack of equal opportunities for women compared to their male colleagues. Women often face biased recruitment practices, unequal working conditions, and limited career advancement opportunities, which create significant barriers to their professional growth.
The event concluded with a final collaborative session, where participants outlined the next steps to implement the action plan. By the end of the day, the group had developed a collective vision for advancing gender equity in Jordan's energy sector. With continued education, mentorship, and policy support, women will have a more significant and empowered role moving forward.
Driving Change: Women Empowering the Energy Sector in Jordan
On November 25, 2024, the event "Women in the Energy Sector" took place as part of the German-Jordanian Energy Partnership. This initiative brought together professionals, policymakers, and industry experts to address an essential question: How can we empower women to lead and excel in the energy sector? Promoting gender equity in this critical industry is not just a matter of fairness—it is vital for a sustainable energy transition and Jordan’s economic development. The event aimed to promote meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions to enhance gender equality in the energy industry.
Insights from the Day
The event opened with a presentation of a Gender Analysis by the EDAMA team, which provided a clear overview of the current disparities in Jordan’s energy sector. A central theme quickly emerged: representation matters. From leadership roles to technical positions, intentional and targeted actions are necessary to close the gender gap.
Learning from International Leaders
A keynote address by German energy leader Susanne Fabry, Executive Board Member of RheinEnergie AG, highlighted effective strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces. These inspiring success stories demonstrated that systemic change is both achievable and essential for the future of the energy industry.
Creating Opportunities Through Networking
The event also emphasized the importance of networking as a driver of career growth. Participants had the chance to connect with like-minded women who share the vision of breaking barriers and creating pathways for the next generation of leaders in the energy sector.
Facing the Challenges Ahead
While the event underscored progress, it also acknowledged persistent challenges. Cultural norms, family responsibilities, and the lack of role models in technical fields still limit women’s participation in the sector. Additionally, biased recruitment practices, limited career advancement opportunities, and inflexible working conditions continue to pose significant obstacles.
The Way Forward
The event concluded with a shared vision for advancing gender equity in Jordan’s energy sector. Participants outlined actionable steps such as promoting women in leadership, creating transparent promotion criteria, and fostering work-life balance. With ongoing training, mentorship, and strong policy and legislative support, these barriers can be dismantled.
Strengthening Cooperation for a Sustainable Future
This event exemplifies the strong collaboration between Germany and Jordan within the framework of the Energy Partnership. By addressing gender equity in the energy sector, we take a crucial step towards a more inclusive and sustainable energy transition. The outcomes of this initiative will continue to inform future efforts under the Energy Partnership, ensuring that women have a central role in shaping the energy future of both nations.