Boosting Diversity in Offshore Wind: Empowering Women in the Global Wind Sector
23 October 2024 - The Renewable Construction Academy (RECOA) and the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) Women in Wind program has agreed a strategic partnership aimed at empowering women in the offshore wind sector. As part of the collaboration, RECOA will donate 100 licenses for its “Elements of an Offshore Wind Farm” course, providing women with critical skills and knowledge to advance their careers in offshore wind.
As the offshore wind industry experiences rapid expansion, the need for a more diverse and inclusive workforce has become a pressing priority. Women In Wind’s EqualWIND Global Campaign, launched at WindEnergy Hamburg, aims to address this issue by encouraging greater participation of women in wind, especially in STEM and leadership roles within the sector. The training licenses will support this work by equipping women with further skills and knowledge to advance their careers in offshore wind. The training offers a comprehensive introduction to the industry, focusing on the technical and operational aspects of offshore wind farms-critical knowledge for those looking to enter the field.
Jeanette Gitobu, Director of the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program, praised the partnership and its potential impact:
"We are delighted to collaborate with RECOA to offer this invaluable training opportunity to women who aspire to build their careers in offshore wind. As the sector continues to expand, it is critical that we create pathways for women to take on more technical and leadership roles. This initiative aligns with our mission to foster diversity and inclusion in the wind energy sector and ensure that women have the tools and support to thrive."
Martin Schnoor Warming, Founder and Managing Partner of RECOA, highlighted the importance of providing accessible education and resources for women, particularly in male-dominated industries such as wind and construction:
"We are committed to breaking down the barriers that have traditionally limited women’s participation in the offshore wind sector. To build a diverse and resilient workforce, we must create new pathways that open doors to careers for women through education, training, and mentorship. By providing access to essential knowledge, we aim to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in this rapidly growing industry. Ultimately, this initiative is about shaping the future workforce and ensuring that more women are represented as leaders and innovators in offshore wind."
The offshore wind industry, with its rapid growth and increasing importance in the global energy transition, offers significant career opportunities. However, the wind industry still faces a gender gap, particularly in technical and leadership roles with only 8% of senior management roles in the global wind energy sector held by women (IRENA/Women in Wind Report, Wind energy: A gender perspective, 2019). Initiatives like the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program are crucial in helping to close this gap by providing women with the tools, education, and mentorship necessary to thrive.
The Women in Wind program reflects a broader effort to foster an inclusive offshore wind industry that welcomes talent from all backgrounds. As the demand for renewable energy grows, and the sector looks to the future, the need for inclusive practices in recruitment, training, and leadership development is becoming ever more apparent. Diverse perspectives and leadership that can drive innovation and progress. The Women in Wind Global Leadership Program is a vital step toward closing the gender gap and ensuring that women play a central role in shaping the future of offshore wind
About GWEC Women in Wind
To advance the role of women as agents of change in society and promote best practices within the wind industry, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) partnered with the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET) to launch the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program in 2019. The program is designed to accelerate the careers of women in the wind industry, support their pathway to leadership positions and foster a global network of mentorship, knowledge-sharing and empowerment
About the Renewable Construction Academy (RECOA)
The Renewable Construction Academy develops role-based online training courses and education programs to educate and upskill the renewable energy industry's workforce. By addressing the resource challenge and fueling the green transition, RECOA plays a vital role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions. The Academy offers high-quality, engaging e-learning solutions developed in collaboration with Academy Partners, industry-leading experts and organizations, to establish and elevate the standard of education and training for renewable energy professionals. At RECOA, you can tap into a lifetime of accumulated knowledge and experience from experts within the renewable energy industry, offering flexible and affordable training solutions for everyone at any time.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Michelle Adamick
Marketing & Communications Director
The Renewable Construction Academy
+45 2151 4123
Alexander Bath
Communications Director
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)