The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES Namibia) in partnership with Namibian Rural Women’s Assembly held a two day workshop on 15 & 16 August to advance a gender-transformative just energy transition emphasising the need to empower women in the green economy, specifically the green hydrogen economy, and address existing gender inequalities within the industry.
The workshop was attended by feminist and equality movements such as Women’s Leadership Centre, Young Feminist Movement (Y-Fem), Namibia Diverse Women’s Association and Women’s Solidarity Namibia. The workshop featured speakers from institutions including Dr. Emma Nangolo from the Namibian University of Management, Dr Zivayi Chigunare from the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute (UNAM), and John-Mark Mwanika of the FES Trade Union Competence Centre.
The workshop examined the challenges and limitations faced by women at the grassroots level within the context of the emerging green economy and advocated for policies that promote equitable transformation and deepen the integration of gender principles in all climate actions.
The discussion highlighted the importance of involving women in decision making, recognising that they are currently underrepresented in the green economy and green hydrogen fields. The workshop also explored challenges women face within the context of a just transition green economy and advocated for policies that promote equitable outcomes, and deepening the integration of gender equality and feminist principles in all climate actions.
“The workshop was an eye-opener and very informative. It gave me a deeper understanding of the debates around green hydrogen. I want to better understand where exactly green hydrogen serves as a climate solution because, although it is always mentioned as such, I did not clearly see the opportunities for climate solutions in the presentations that were shared,” said Agnes Tjindjo-Tjimbundu , the Regional Coordinator of the Namibian Rural Women Assembly.
The workshop stressed that a just transition, which aims to mitigate the negative social and economic impacts of climate action, must be gender-transformative to be effective.
The workshop discussed the various barriers women face when trying to enter the green economy and green hydrogen fields including limited access to land and water, finance and technology, as well as skills deficit and deeply ingrained gender norms that hinder their participation in the green economy.
Participants emphasized the need for policies that address the specific challenges face by women during transition, ensuring that they benefit from new opportunities.
The workshop acknowledge the need to equip women with the skills and training necessary to participate in the growing green economy and ensure that new green jobs are accessible to women.
The workshop also discussed the link between climate change, just transition and gender discrimination emphasising the need for holistic approaches.
“Most importantly, there is an urgent need for the inclusion of rural women in all projects. Rural women are the most affected by climate change and energy transitions, yet their realities are often left out of planning. Their participation ensures that solutions are practical, sustainable, and truly transformative. The importance of inclusive social dialogue was highlighted ensuring that women’s voices are heard in decision-making processes related to the green transition”, continued Agnes
It is recommended that the government and sector stakeholders collaborate with women-led community-based organizations to ensure that local needs and perspectives are incorporated into green economy strategies, fostering an inclusive and equitable just transition.
The workshop concluded with a call for continued action to ensure that women are not left behind in the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy. This includes:
- Advocating for adequate climate financial resources to support women-led initiatives and address gender inequalities in the just transition.
- Promoting policies that support women’s economic empowerment, access to education and training, and participation in decision-making processes.
- Working with community-based organisations to ensure that local needs and perspectives are considered in the implementation of just transition strategies.
- Establish mechanisms to track progress on gender equality in the just transition and identify areas where further action is needed.
“Energy transition must be gender-responsive, inclusive, and critically examined. Green hydrogen should not only serve as a climate solution but also a social solution that respect indigenous knowledge, protect smallholder farmers, and uplift rural women and communities. The benefits must be equitably shared, and the risks clearly understood”, concluded Agnes.
