Women in the Solar Industry

Women in the Solar IndustryI had an interesting conversation yesterday at the Solar Power International show with a young lady whose mission was to ensure that women in the solar industry are accorded the same respect as men. I actually was unaware that this was a huge issue, but I eagerly assented to support her cause, as suggested in the photo here.  I noticed that she had another placard that read “I am not a booth babe,” which I presume she would have recommend for my colleague and me had we been female.

Upon reflection, I sadly admit that all trade shows, whether they concern renewable energy or steel blast furnaces, still utilize/exploit pretty girls to attract males’ attention. It’s a regrettable vestige of the sexism that continues to remain in the workplace, and we’ll most certainly be a better society when it’s gone.

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2 comments on “Women in the Solar Industry
  1. garyt1963 says:

    One organisation that I would say strongly promotes the idea of women in the solar industry is India’s Barefoot College.

    http://www.barefootcollege.org/zanzibars-solar-mamas-flip-the-switch-on-rural-homes-gender-roles/

    So far, they have trained over 70 rural semi-literate and illiterate women to run businesses installing small off grid solar systems for domestic users and local clinics – making a huge difference to the lives of thousands in the process.