Male Allyship in the Energy Sector
The energy sector has traditionally been male-dominated. In both developed and developing countries, women are still outnumbered in technical, and supervisory positions in utilities and other energy sector agencies. Women attempting to enter the energy sector continue to face barriers such as gender stereotypes and bias, and a lack of training, mentorship and networking. A lack of diversity can have harmful impacts. When only one group dominates planning and decision-making, there is less innovation, productivity, and sustainability. There are, however, men in the energy sector who see equity and inclusion as not just a nice-to-have but a ‘must-have,’ and who champion improvements to workplace policies, practices, and culture to elevate women and eliminate negative gender stereotypes and behaviors. In the fall of 2022, CWEEL organized a panel discussion highlighting male champions for gender equality through their work in the energy sector across multiple countries worldwide. Panelists shared their personal experiences, how they have tried to promote gender equality in their organizations and projects, how this has led to better business outcomes, any challenges they have encountered, and their general advice. CWEEL members and international groups have also been championing male allyship through their project work and their own events. This session will cover the business case for male allyship, what being a male ally looks like, and practical steps businesses can take to drive action and remove the organizational and cultural barriers to male allyship.
Speaker Bio
Ellen Bomasang is a global development professional whose focus has been inclusive growth, clean energy, and climate across emerging economies in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East for over 25 years. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion in business and communities and regularly advises organizations on topics relating to gender equality, women’s leadership, and building diverse and respectful workplaces. She has a strong track record of delivering results focused on closing gender gaps in employment and skills, entrepreneurship, access to finance, and livelihoods. Throughout her career, Ms. Bomasang has engaged with a variety of stakeholders including the private sector, governments, communities, and funders. She has been recognized as an innovator and as an effective mentor and collaborator. In her current role as a Principal in Abt's Global Equity Team, she works with a team of professionals to center equity principles and practices within Abt's operations and across its international and domestic portfolios. She develops training resources and tools, particularly as these relate to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Across several projects, she has been working on promoting male allyship in the energy and other male-dominated sectors.
