Women break the myth of energy as a “male” industry — new study

02/ 09/ 2025

Listen to online Stop   The Ukrainian charitable organization Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation has conducted the first nationwide study, “Barriers and challenges women face in transitioning to the solar energy sector.” Its findings dispel persistent stereotypes about the industry and knowledge surrounding it, while highlighting that barriers for women still remain. At a time when Ukraine is facing regular large-scale attacks on its energy system and actively rebuilding afterward, the study by Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation, supported by Mercy Corps, offers a new perspective on the role of women in solar energy. A key finding: the stereotype that solar energy is an exclusively “male” field is losing relevance — only 6% of surveyed women agreed with this statement.   However, current statistics tell a different story: women account for only about 30% of the workforce in the solar energy sector, with even fewer in leadership roles. The barriers revealed by the study indicate that the problem is not women’s bias against the field, but rather structural limitations and informational gaps. Why is this important for Ukraine today?  National plan for 2030: 27% renewables in Ukraine’s energy mix by 2030.  Inclusivity in focus: the state encourages women’s entry into “traditionally male” professions and emerging industries.  Growing global market: worldwide investment in clean energy has for the first time exceeded $2 trillion, with renewables outpacing even the oil sector. Ukraine is facing a labor shortage due to the war and its consequences — including in renewable energy. At the same time, the EU and other partners are investing billions in the country’s “green” recovery. Women’s involvement in this transformation is not only a matter of inclusion, but also of economic resilience and energy security. Survey fndings: women with high professional potential   Most participants were women of established professional age (25–50+ years) with higher or specialized education. More than half, however, are currently in job search or temporary unemployment. Knowledge is low, interest is high Awareness of solar energy among respondents remains critically low: 68% rated their knowledge at 0–3 out of 10, and 89% had no awareness of career or education opportunities in the sector. At the same time, 46% said they would consider transitioning into solar energy if free training were available. This demonstrates openness to new opportunities, provided accessible education and clear career prospects. Key barriers: lack of knowledge, support, and stability The main obstacle cited was lack of knowledge about the sector (19%) and the shortage of publicly available information (14%). Additional challenges include: consequences of war and emotional instability, difficulty balancing work and personal life, lack of confidence, absence of employer or mentorship support, limited access to training. Stereotypes are not the main barrier Despite the widespread perception of energy as a “male” industry, only 6% of participants considered gender bias to be a barrier to starting or advancing their career. This suggests that gender itself is not a decisive factor, although stereotypes still persist socially. Education and support are the keys to engaging women  Respondents are open to retraining, but primarily expect free learning opportunities. The greatest interest lies in short-term practical programs with mentorship and community-building elements.  In terms of career focus, women most often consider management and support roles — project management, administration, communications, and logistics. Interest in technical professions is lower, which underlines the need to adapt training programs for candidates without prior technical background.  A systemic approach to industry growth The study emphasizes that engaging women in solar energy requires a comprehensive strategy that combines accessible training, stronger visibility of the sector in public discourse, socio-economic stability, and institutional reforms at both the policy and employer level. Recommendations to overcome barriers The report calls for the development of training programs, support networks, mentoring initiatives, and the promotion of success stories of women in solar energy. This will help attract more female professionals into a sector that is critical for Ukraine’s energy security. The full report is available at: Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation * * * About Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation  Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation provides renewable solar energy solutions for schools, hospitals, and water utilities affected by russian aggression in Ukraine, through initiatives such as “100 Solar Schools,” “50 Solar Hospitals,” and “Solar Water Utilities.” The foundation installs hybrid solar power plants with storage systems for social and critical infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted access to education and healthcare services even during blackouts, while promoting positive change toward a sustainable future in Ukrainian communities.  The foundation also seeks to foster a culture of conscious resource consumption. It runs the educational course “Sustainable Development and Green Energy” for children, enhancing knowledge about sustainability, energy sources, and eco-friendly habits. Nearly 2,000 children have already completed the program.  The foundation has been recognized with multiple awards, including: National Charity Ukraine Award in Environmental and Ecology Philanthropy (Kyiv, 2024), Charity Kyiv Region Award (2025), Green Initiative of the Year Award (Brussels, 2023). It is also a member of Solar Power Europe and the UN Global Compact Energy Initiative, and in 2024 implemented the “Renewable Energy in Ukraine” project as part of a consortium of environmental organizations. Media Contact Olena Berehova Head of PR & Communications Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation [email protected] 050 412 47 50  Website, Linkedin, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram 

The Ukrainian charitable organization Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation has conducted the first nationwide study, “Barriers and challenges women face in transitioning to the solar energy sector.” Its findings dispel persistent stereotypes about the industry and knowledge surrounding it, while highlighting that barriers for women still remain.

At a time when Ukraine is facing regular large-scale attacks on its energy system and actively rebuilding afterward, the study by Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation, supported by Mercy Corps, offers a new perspective on the role of women in solar energy. A key finding: the stereotype that solar energy is an exclusively “male” field is losing relevance — only 6% of surveyed women agreed with this statement.  

However, current statistics tell a different story: women account for only about 30% of the workforce in the solar energy sector, with even fewer in leadership roles. The barriers revealed by the study indicate that the problem is not women’s bias against the field, but rather structural limitations and informational gaps.

Why is this important for Ukraine today? 

• National plan for 2030: 27% renewables in Ukraine’s energy mix by 2030. 
• Inclusivity in focus: the state encourages women’s entry into “traditionally male” professions and emerging industries. 
• Growing global market: worldwide investment in clean energy has for the first time exceeded $2 trillion, with renewables outpacing even the oil sector.

Ukraine is facing a labor shortage due to the war and its consequences — including in renewable energy. At the same time, the EU and other partners are investing billions in the country’s “green” recovery. Women’s involvement in this transformation is not only a matter of inclusion, but also of economic resilience and energy security.

Survey fndings: women with high professional potential  

Most participants were women of established professional age (25–50+ years) with higher or specialized education. More than half, however, are currently in job search or temporary unemployment.