WOMEN IN WIND IS EMPOWERING FEMALE LEADERS ACROSS WIND MARKETS IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH.
Overview
According to a landmark global study by IRENA, women constitute approximately 21% of the global workforce and occupy only 8% of senior leadership positions, primarily in administration and non-STEM roles.
In response to this widespread under-representation of women in the sector, GWEC launched Women in Wind in 2019, a bold initiative to not only empower women but also to ensure the sector has the diverse and robust workforce it needs to meet ambitious deployment targets in 2030 and beyond.
This first-ever independent impact evaluation, conducted in early 2025, has concluded, among other things, that the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program has made "a profound impact in the lives of program participants and is scalable for future expansion."
GWEC works at the highest international political level to create a better policy environment for wind power. GWEC members are active all over the world, educating local and national governments as well as international agencies on the benefits of wind power to advocate new policies and help wind power reach its full potential in as markets as possible.
Key Findings from the 5-Year Impact Evaluation
Increased Professional Confidence
The WiW program is making a profound impact on the professional lives of mentees. Participants reported a significant boost in confidence to pursue advanced career opportunities and a stronger belief in their future in the wind industry.
Addressing Gender-Specific Barriers
The program effectively supports women in navigating the gendered challenges of the wind sector. Through mentorship and peer engagement, mentees gained tools to overcome workplace obstacles and build resilience in male-dominated environments.
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Influencing Employer Practices
WiW participation has led to meaningful change within mentees’ companies. Although employers are not directly involved, mentees report shifts such as increased hiring of women, new DEI policies, and more women in leadership roles—demonstrating the ripple effect of individual empowerment.
Alignment with Global Gender Priorities
The program’s objectives are strongly aligned with national and regional gender equality agendas, particularly in the global south. This alignment reinforces WiW’s strategic relevance and enhances its potential for long-term impact.
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Advancing the Energy Transition
By equipping women with leadership tools and a global network, the program contributes to a more inclusive energy workforce. This is essential to meeting the climate crisis with innovation, equity, and urgency.
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Scalable Program Design
Evaluation findings confirm that the program’s core components—mentorship, training, and community—are being delivered efficiently. This positions WiW to scale its impact across new regions and emerging markets.
