Education for an Equitable Energy Future: Lessons From Southern Brazil

Pan, Aline Cristiane, Fossati, Michele, Santos, Ísis Portolan, Maciel, Gabriela Pereira da Silva, Figueira, Angela Carine Moura, Gomes, Amanda Mendes Ferreira, Domingos, Renata Mansuelo Alves, Rüther, Ricardo, Flores, Liege Dalpra, Klas, Juliana, Machado, Bianca Neves, Silva, Gabrielli de Carli, Loder, Liane Ludwig, Missel, Valquiria Villas Boas Gomes, Minitto, Juliane Borba, Crestani, Thais, Sartori, Alice Stephanie Tapia, Mendes, Mariana Oliveira Santos Barbosa, Carrion, Jennifer, Voltolini, Júlia Rechia, Camargo, Laura da Silva, Santos, Sinara Silveira, Costa, Joice Teresinha Airoldi, Antunes, Michelle Bicalho, Silva, Lisandra Barreto, Picanço, Thais de Paiva Corrêa, Wildgrube, Thieli Vicenci, Heck, Gabriela Sehnem

ISES Solar World Congress 2025 · Fortaleza, Brazil · 2025-11-03
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
DOI: 10.18086/swc.2025.09.02

Abstract

This paper presents the project _Energizing Equity: Girls and Women Empowering the Energy Transition_ , an educational initiative promoting gender equity in the energy transition through STEM-based actions in public schools in southern Brazil. Supported by CNPq, MCTI, and the Ministry of Women, the project involves 3abilities students and six school teachers annually across six schools, in partnership with three federal universities (UFRGS, UFSM, UFSC) and women’s energy networks (MESol, Women in Biogas). Its methodology combines thematic workshops on renewable energy, energy management, gender equity, and scientific research, alongside mentorship programs connecting female professionals and students, as well as technical visits to universities, libraries, museums, and renewable energy companies. Activities integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5, 7 and 10) and Brazil’s National Curriculum (BNCC). First year results reveal growing engagement, strengthened scientific literacy, and expanded awareness of women’s roles in energy. The project demonstrates how interdisciplinary, inclusive education can foster a more equitable and sustainable energy transition, especially in Latin America.

Keywords

gender equity, energy transition, STEM education, inclusive education, public schools

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