Gender and Corporate Practices in the Solar Photovoltaic Sector: A Critical Look at REDE MESol Awardees
Abstract
This study empirically examines companies in the photovoltaic solar energy sector that have notable gender equity initiatives. To this end, it focuses on Brazilian companies selected through the 2023 and 2024 calls for proposals by the Brazilian Network of Women in Solar Energy, comparing their initiatives against genderrelated indicators in the photovoltaic solar energy sector. These indicators include: the proportion of women in decision-making positions; income; time allocated to paid and unpaid work; self-reported satisfaction levels; legal instruments and gender-related guidelines; educational attainment; energy consumption; the Gender Development Index (GDI); and the number of awards received. The findings reveal that only a minority of companies stand out for implementing effective gender equity practices. Furthermore, the study observes a predominance of approaches based on predominantly quantitative and structural indicators, which do not always capture the subjective and intersectional dimensions of gender inequalities within the photovoltaic solar energy sector.
Keywords
Gender indicators, Gender Equity, Photovoltaic Solar Energy, Indicators, Gender Networks