From the community
EUCENAEUCENAIn this second EUCENA Gender and Energy session, building on our previous exchange, we focused on the specific tools and instruments for gender-just energy communities.
One day after International Women’s Day, we gathered in an interactive session with experts, discussed the topic and got inspired by initiatives that already apply such empowering tools and instruments in their operations.
A summary of the event
In the 2nd Gender and Energy Session of the European Citizen Energy Academy, moderated by Antonia Proka from REScoop.eu, we outlined tools and instruments for gender-just energy communities. Marika Kuschan, an energy and gender expert from WECF, discussed the general gender dimensions and participation barriers in the energy sector. Following, participants engaged in the discussion concerning gender-just energy communities and the benefits it entails.
The impact of gender in just energy communities. Photo: (c) EUCENA
Then, Mariëlle Feenstra Senior researcher at the University of Twente, elaborated on the scientific research regarding the role of women in the energy sector. She specifically discussed the social, economic, human and symbolic capital of women. Ms Feenstra also made policy recommendations and provided specific advice to citizen energy initiatives.
Observations and recommendations for gender equality in energy communities. Photo: (c) EUCENA
Building on these insights energy-expert Katharina Habersbrunner from WECF presented a variety of tools and instruments on how to move towards gender-just energy communities.
How to use gender tools and instruments. Photo: (c) EUCENA
In the subsequent panel discussion energy-professionals shared practical experiences and tools, e.g. Oral Kaya established a women-led energy cooperative in Turkey and stated that they relied on conferences, networking and a survey to increase the share of women participating. Malte Zieher and Krisztina Andre from Bündnis Bürgerenergie talked about their new campaign and its potential to involve women. They also highlighted the importance of targeting young audiences through promoting renewable energies in social media and using storytelling, as well as simple language to raise interest.”
You can watch the recording of this second EUCENA Gender & Energy Session here.
About EUCENA
This workshop was held in the context of the EUCENA project. EUCENA supports the citizen energy movement throughout Europe by fostering knowledge creation and transfer between Southeast and Central Europe. Specifically, it provides knowledge and tools on community building, development, and cooperation between communities. EUCENA is supported by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
Responsible for the content of this page is Carmen Heinrich / WECF