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EVIDENCE OF CHANGE

Women in Wind is Empowering Female Leaders Across Wind Markets in the Global South.

 

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."

 

 

 

"The link between gender equality and the climate crisis is clear. Increasing women’s leadership and decision-making power in the climate arena is urgently needed."

 

—Women in Wind 5-Year Impact Report, 2025

 

Key Findings from the 5-Year Impact Evaluation

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

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Of mentees reported an increase in their confidence to pursue advanced career opportunities

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of mentees advanced in their career since participating in the program

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of mentees reported the development of leadership and management skills

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of mentee employers increased hiring of women at all levels

“Mentee employers were inspired by WiW to take gender equality and empowerment much more seriously. In fact, 33% introduced new DEI policies and programs, and 25% increased hiring of women in leadership.”

 

—Women in Wind 5-Year Impact Report, 2025

CASE STUDIES

  • Carita Abdal – Brazil

    The most rewarding experience was connecting with other women in the renewables industry across the globe and the dialogue fostered through mentorship, with unique exchange of perspectives and insights. It reinforced my belief that women in such a male-dominated field are essential for amplifying diverse voices, driving cultural and policy change, and ultimately supporting the sector's transition to a more sustainable future.

    Carita Abdal

    Mentee – 2023 Cohort (Brazil)

  • Natascha Forster Jung - Denmark

    “Meeting the amazing mentees, they come from different backgrounds, nationalities, age and challenges was the most impactful thing for me. They are truly inspiring and continue to give me hope for the future. I am convinced I have received as much out of this program as the mentees. It is rewarding to connect and support other women in their career (and even privately) how to juggle work, family, which steps to take in your career etc.

    Natascha Forster Jung

    Mentor – 2019–2023 Cohorts (Denmark)

  • Ellipse 1029

    The biggest impact was gaining self-confidence and understanding that many of the biases we face in this industry stem from gender stereotypes rather than personal shortcomings.

    Reshmy Prasad

    Mentee – 2022 Cohort (India)

  • Reynaline Lumbres Bulambot

    When I see my 2023 mentee gradually achieving her mentoring goals by achieving her career goals, it has a huge impact on me and motivates me to continue mentoring other female leaders.

    Reynaline Lumbres Bulambot

    Mentor – 2023 Cohort (Philippines)

We found the Women in Wind program to be profoundly impactful in the lives of participants. More broadly, we also found the program to be in alignment with national gender initiatives across the global south and supportive of the need for gender diversity in the energy transition. This is a program that can – and should – scale well beyond its current reach.

 

Engagement Lab, Independent Program Evaluator 

Get in Touch

  • Let’s work together to advance female representation and leadership in wind energy!

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    Jeanette Gitobu, WiW Program Director

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    jeanette.gitobu@gwec.net

Download the Report

Explore insights from five years of Women in Wind. Download the full impact evaluation to learn how the program is advancing gender equity in the wind sector.