Women’s engagement in the green economy is important for addressing challenges facing the environment and achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development is the type of development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Despite the challenges, empowering women and taking into consideration gender-inclusive policies can help in attaining a more sustainable and equitable future. By recognizing and harnessing women’s abilities, society can better maneuver the transition to a more sustainable and greener economy. According to (Popkova, 2022) Green economy is an economy that improves the welfare of the people, provides social justice, and at the same time significantly reduces the risks to the environment and its depletion.
Leadership and entrepreneurship; In the green economy, women are increasingly assuming leadership positions. They are developing business concepts that emphasize sustainable practices. For example, Jessica Alba founded the Honest company, which makes eco-friendly and non-toxic home personal care products as well as renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. Another example is Christiana Figueres (Former Executive Secretary of the UNFCC) Christiana Figueres played a central role in the development and adoption of the Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty to combat climate change. Her leadership and advocacy for global climate action were instrumental in shaping the green economy’s trajectory.
Innovation; Women make significant contributions to green innovation. A study was empirically conducted to investigate the relationship between board gender diversity and a firm’s green innovation using panel data of public companies in China’s manufacturing. The findings show that the occurrence of green innovation at the firm level is systematically related to female board representation. The study provides empirical evidence that women in top management can play a positive role in developing a firm’s active environmental strategies (Xiaofeng et al.,2021). Women bring unique perspectives to research and development, which can result in creative and long-lasting answers to environmental problems.
Advocacy and Education; Educators in environmental organizations, teachers in public schools, and university professors are just a few examples of many women who can work in the field of education, educating students about the value of sustainability and the fundamentals of the green economy. They may push for legislation on renewable energy, emission reduction, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Women in politics and government are also at the forefront of environmental movements and climate change awareness campaigns. For example, Greta Thunberg (Environmental Activist) a young Swedish activist, has become a global icon for climate action. She initiated the “Fridays for Future” movement, encouraging students worldwide to strike for climate action and drawing attention to the urgent need for environmental action.
Green finance; Women who work in finance and investing promote sustainable and socially conscious investing. They encourage businesses and people to match their financial decisions with environmental objectives. Women investors are also actively looking for opportunities to invest in businesses and projects that have a positive impact on the environment, such as sustainable agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. Green and sustainable assets are incorporated into investment portfolios by female portfolio managers and asset allocators, helping clients align their investments with their values. For example, Joyce Misoi (Founder of Women4Green) is the founder of the Women4Green initiative aimed at empowering women to be active participants in the green economy. This includes advocating for financial inclusion and access to green financing for women-led businesses.
Gender unevenness in leadership; Within green businesses and environmental organizations, women are marginalized in leadership positions, limiting their influence in decision-making. This implies that they have little influence over how green businesses and environmental organizations set priorities and determine their course. As a result, gender-specific issues and viewpoints may receive less attention. For example, women advocating for climate action, especially in regions with patriarchal structures, may encounter resistance and gender-based discrimination that hinder their ability to lead climate advocacy movements. Women in academia who specialize in environmental and sustainability fields may experience gender bias and unequal representation at the highest academic levels, such as full professorship and department chairs (Mohammed et al.,2023).
Health and safety risks; Due to their roles in various industries, women working in the green economy may face particular health and safety risks. These risks can be influenced by things like the nature of the work, the environment, and gender-specific issues. Women engaged in sustainable or organic farming, for instance, may come into contact with chemicals and pesticides that can have harmful effects on health, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and long-term health issues. Those engaged in waste collection and recycling often face health and safety risks. They may lack proper protective gear and be exposed to hazardous materials, leading to potential health issues such as respiratory problems and skin conditions.
Cultural and social barriers; Women may be expected to fulfill domestic and caregiving responsibilities, which can limit their ability to pursue green careers, which may require field or long hours. Cultural and social norms may reinforce traditional gender roles. Women and girls may not have as much access to education as men and boys do in some societies, which may make it more difficult for them to develop the knowledge and leadership abilities needed for green jobs. In many cultures, women have limited or no access to land ownership, which can impede their involvement in sustainable agriculture, forestry, or conservation efforts that rely on land use (Ali et al.,2023).
Lack of mentoring and role models; Women may have limited access to guidance and advice about career opportunities and pathways in the green economy without mentors or role models, making it difficult for them to navigate this field successfully and make wiser career decisions. The absence of such role models may result in self-doubt and reduced confidence in pursuing careers in this sector. Mentors and role models can boost confidence and self-efficacy among women by demonstrating that success in the green economy is attainable (Tiani et al.,2023).
Work-life Balance; Struggling to maintain a work-life balance can hinder women’s career advancement. Balancing family responsibilities with demanding roles in green industries can be difficult for women, impacting their career advancement. If they think it will interfere with their personal lives, they might be reluctant to accept leadership positions or difficult assignments. A persistent work-life imbalance can lead to stress, burnout, and negative health effects, which can further impede women’s career prospects in the green economy.
Green Jobs; A variety of job opportunities are available in the green economy, including those in green technology, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, conservation, and environmental policy. Women can also pursue careers in renewable energy, including positions in solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance, and bioenergy production. For example, they can work in organic farming permaculture, sustainable agriculture practices, promoting food security, and environmentally friendly farming techniques.
Entrepreneurship: Start a business focused on providing renewable energy solutions, such as solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance, or energy efficiency consulting. Women entrepreneurs can also launch businesses that focus on eco-friendly products, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable fashion. Additionally, they can produce and market environmentally friendly goods like biodegradable packaging, organic skincare, long-lasting clothing, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
Green Technology; They can create or operate environmental monitoring and sensor technologies to track air and water quality, biodiversity, and climate data. Women can also work on smart grid technologies that optimize energy distribution, improve grid reliability, and integrate renewable energy sources. Women can play important roles in developing and implementing green technologies, such as energy-efficient solutions and waste reduction innovations.
International Opportunities; Women can work for international organizations like the United Nations (UN), World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and regional development banks. These organizations frequently have initiatives related to sustainable development and environmental conservation. Women can participate in global efforts to address climate change and sustainability, including involvement in international organizations and climate change negotiations.
Leadership Roles; Women can aspire to leadership positions within organizations and companies focused on sustainability. More businesses are recognizing the importance of diversity in leadership and actively seeking women for this position. Women can lead green technology companies. Women can hold leadership positions in governmental organizations charged with environmental protection and sustainability, as well as positions in the development and implementation of environmental policy.
Equal Access to Education and Training; Make sure that women have equal access to education and training in sustainable practices and green technologies. This can include scholarships, mentorship programs, and vocational training created especially for women to enter green industries. Through education and training, women are able to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue various green economy careers. Whether in STEM education, environmental sciences, or sustainable business management, these skills are essential for success. For example, in Germany, women with access to equal education and vocational training have excelled in the renewable energy sector. They hold positions in wind and solar energy companies, contributing to the country’s leadership in renewable energy production (Ali & Amfo,2021).
Promote Women's Leadership; Promoting women's leadership positions within green organizations and encouraging them to launch their own green businesses are two ways to support and encourage women’s leadership roles in green economy. Women in leadership positions can actively shape policies related to environmental sustainability, influencing laws and regulations that prioritize green initiatives and women’s rights. For example, in Kenya, women’s leadership is encouraged in wildlife conservation and community-based eco-tourism initiatives. Women leaders are actively involved in wildlife protection and sustainable tourism projects.
Flexible Work Arrangement; To accommodate the diverse needs of women, especially those who are caring for others, create flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or part-time employment. This can help retain women in the workforce and encourage their participation in green sectors. Women can continue their careers in the green economy without significant interruption, ensuring that their expertise and contributions are not lost due to family-related absence. For example, in the United States, numerous organizations and green businesses offer flexible work arrangements, which have supported women in environmentally focused roles. Women working in environmental advocacy, renewable energy, and green startups often have options for remote work and flexible hours (Dressler & Mahanty.,2020).
Financial Inclusion; Give women-led green initiatives and startups to financial resources and funding opportunities, such as grants, low-interest loans, and venture capital that are especially designated for female entrepreneurs in the green economy. Financial inclusion provides women with access to the capital they need to start or expand their businesses, invest in sustainable projects, and pursue environmental initiatives. For example, in Bangladesh, microfinance institutions like Grameen Bank have empowered women to participate in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy initiatives. They can access loans to invest in clean energy solutions and adopt eco-friendly farming practices.
Gender-Responsive Policies; Create and put into place gender-responsive laws and policies for green industry, such as those that address gender-based discrimination, promote equal pay for equal work, and guarantee safe working conditions. These policies encourage inclusive and non-discriminatory work environments, making it possible for women to thrive in green jobs without gender-based barriers. For example, Costa Rica has policies that support women entrepreneurs in environmentally focused businesses. Women who run recycling projects, eco-tourism ventures, and sustainable farming initiatives have access to resources and support, contributing to the green economy.