As the world’s largest power generation and renewables market, the Asia-Pacific region is central to shaping the future energy landscape. Jobs in renewables and emerging green industries could create up to 14 million new jobs by 2030 and, with rapid decarbonisation and skills investment, up to 180 million by 2050.
Some regions in Asia are demonstrating exceptional ambition and innovation in seizing the opportunities of the green transition. The Indian state of Kerala, for example, is aiming to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040. Transitioning to sustainable economies presents an unmissable opportunity, not just to mitigate climate change, but as a mechanism for social and economic progress. Enriching the rights and opportunities of women within this shift is vital to a just transition and ensuring no one is left behind, while strengthening the response to climate impacts and recovery.
Fighting Climate Crisis Requires Gender Equality
Investing in the lives and opportunities of women enriches society as a whole. While primarily a matter of human rights and justice, the benefits reach much wider. Research shows that societies are less able to respond to crises such as climate change when women are denied opportunities, such as access to education or having a say at the top levels of government. Yet, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions and decision-making spaces that shape policies, business decisions and investments. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised: “We need more women environment ministers, business leaders and presidents and prime ministers. They can push countries to address the climate crisis, develop green jobs and build a more just and sustainable world.”
Women’s Empowerment
Asia is leading the way in the shift to renewable energy, yet women’s representation in energy policy and decision-making positions remains limited. The number of women in the energy workforce ranges between 3% and 15%, with women engineers or technicians even lower, at between 1% and 6%. The rapidly transforming market and opportunities offer a chance to correct historical gender imbalances in the climate-energy sector while accelerating climate action and ensuring women’s livelihoods are supported.
Policy Leadership
While there is a long way to go to reach gender-parity, many Asian governments are integrating gender considerations into their climate policies and promoting women’s leadership. India has implemented several policies to boost women’s participation in clean energy, offering skill development and training programs. It also provides incentives aimed at promoting women’s involvement in the energy industry, such as subsidies targeted at solar home systems installed by women. Similarly, China is also working to promote gender equality and empower women in its energy transition. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Climate Change Act stipulates that the Climate Change Commission must include at least one woman as a commissioner.
In climate change impact response, programs like Bangladesh’s Cyclone Preparedness Program, which has trained nearly 40,000 women in disaster management, have significantly reduced cyclone-related fatalities. In Nepal, government-backed initiatives support Indigenous women in leading sustainable forest management efforts, demonstrating how gender-inclusive adaptation measures enhance both environmental and community resilience.
Non-governmental Organisations
Women-led nonprofit organisations are also playing a significant role in advancing Asia’s renewable energy transition. Organisations like Women in Energy Asia (WIEA) and Women in Renewables Alliance (WiRA) are driving change by promoting gender equality and diversity in the renewable energy sector. They provide valuable networking, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Additionally, national networks, such as the Climate Leaders Network launched by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation in Vietnam, aim to enhance women’s leadership, visibility and influence in the country’s green transition. “At IFC, we strongly believe that tackling climate change requires mobilising the skills, leadership, and innovation of the entire private sector, and women’s full participation is absolutely vital,” said Thomas Jacobs, IFC country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. “As long as we act for increased women’s participation and leadership in climate action, Vietnam can accelerate a climate transition that is more inclusive, just, and impactful.”
Keeping Gender Justice in the Heart Of A Just Transition
With gender-inclusive responses to climate change being fundamental to the stability and resilience of our future, creating numerous co-benefits that support societies as a whole. Yet as long as systemic inequalities continue – both within and outside the energy-climate sector – our collective ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change is constrained. A steadfast focus must remain on increasing women’s participation and decision-making power to integrate justice, resilience and sustainability into the transition toward cleaner economies and a more equitable world.
Evelyn Smail
Writer, United Kingdom
Evelyn is a freelance writer and journalist specialising in climate science and policy, the just energy transition and the human impacts of climate change. She writes for independent publications, NGOs and environmental organisations. Evelyn has a background in sustainable development, climate justice and human rights.
Evelyn is a freelance writer and journalist specialising in climate science and policy, the just energy transition and the human impacts of climate change. She writes for independent publications, NGOs and environmental organisations. Evelyn has a background in sustainable development, climate justice and human rights.
