Based on numerous published reports, interest in the advancement of women in the energy sector is reaching unprecedented levels. A new Canadian multistakeholder initiative intends to build on the current momentum and secure significant improvements in the way diversity is managed in the sector.
The recently announced Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity for the Electricity Industry is a public commitment by employers, educators, unions and governments to promote the values of diversity and inclusion within their organizations. Founding Partners include Ontario Power Generation, Alectra Inc., Hydro Ottawa, the Power Workers’ Union and a host of others. Signatories are committed to implementing their commitment to diversity through a range of actions including recruitment, retention and/or governance practices.
The signatories to the Accord, which was developed by Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), acknowledge that united action is required to ensure proper support is available for women in the industry, along with equality and fairness for the entire workforce. In one example, EHRC’s Connected Women program has launched a national mentorship program for women in the sector, to bolster the work of Accord signatories.
Partnering organizations like Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) are also on board to support the efforts for gender diversity in the energy sector. WiRE has launched chapters across Canada, which provide free networking meet-ups for women working in, or wishing to work in, the energy sector. They also provide a platform for “inspiring women presenters” to share their professional experiences, suggestions and contacts.
In collaboration with APPrO, WiRE will present the annual Woman of the Year Award in energy as part of the Canadian Power Banquet dinner during the APPrO 2017 conference. WiRE is collaborating with APPrO to developing conference programming focused on how companies are moving to make their workforces more inclusive and gender-balanced.
For more information visit:
http://electricityhr.ca/workplace-support/diversity-inclusion/ehrc-leadership-accord/
http://www.womeninrenewableenergy.ca/.