ECPA Ministerial Dialogue Series: Gender and Energy

In preparation for the IV Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) Ministerial that will convene in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on February 27-28, 2020, the OAS is convening a series of Ministerial dialogues. The purpose of these events is to seek the input and advice of Permanent Missions, international development agencies, multilateral organizations, and the diplomatic corps at large headquartered in Washington as the delegations of the 34 OAS member States prepare to convene in Montego Bay. This dialogue will address gender and energy from two perspectives: access to energy and the gender gap in the energy industry.

Access to modern energy services enables economic prosperity. However, there are considerable inequalities with regard to energy access, which typically put women at greater economic disadvantage. Promoting gender equity with regard to energy access brings economic and social benefits to broader, more diverse spectrum of society.

On the other hand, despite progress in women’s employment in the energy industry, the energy sector remains one of the least gender-diverse. In 2019 the EY Women in Power and Utilities Index reported that the representation of women in utility leadership remains “disappointingly low.” Closing the gender gap will be vital as women are key drivers of innovation and inclusiveness.

Transitioning towards transformative energy solutions will require innovative thinking and business models. Diversifying the regional talent pool from which to draw new ideas will bring the Americas a step closer to achieving a sustainable energy future. The event will explore strategies that proved effective at empowering women in respect to energy.

Follow this event on Twitter at #GenderandEnergy and @ecpamericas.

Welcome and Introduction

Audrey Marks

Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States and the OAS

Keynote Speaker: 

Ambassador Elizabeth Thompson

Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations

Panel Discussion: Gender perspective on Access to Energy and Gender Gap in the Energy industry 

Janine Finnell

Executive Director Leader in Energy

Ruth Spencer

National Coordinator for the GEF/SGP

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Rachel Miller

Managing Partner, Forbes Tate DC

Anne Marie Horowitz

Director, STEM Rising, Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Department of Energy

Lauren Glickman

Women of Renewable industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE)

Managing Partner at RenewComm

Moderator

Juan Cruz Monticelli

Section Chief, Sustainable Energy

Department of Sustainable Development

Organization of American States (OAS)

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

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