The Delegation of the European Union in Chile organized a week-long training on gender, where, among other topics, one of the central themes was the role of women in the energy industry, with a particular focus on the development of green hydrogen (H2V). The meeting brought together experts from the public and private sectors and civil society to analyze the challenges and opportunities for gender equality in this key sector.
Among the participants were representatives from the EU Delegation in Chile, EU Member States, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and the German Cooperation Agency GIZ. Other important Chilean stakeholders also attended, including the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Women, CORFO, the Energy Sustainability Agency, the ACERA association, and the Avina Foundation.
The experts concluded that the green hydrogen industry, still in its early stages in Chile, presents a unique opportunity to be designed with a gender perspective from the outset. Currently, the sector remains predominantly male, with a notable lack of women, especially in key regions like Magallanes, where there is a high dependence on fossil fuels and low energy and gender diversity.
During the debate, it was highlighted that Chile faces one of the largest gender gaps in STEM careers in Latin America, with only 20% of women studying these specialties. This, combined with structural barriers such as a lack of adequate infrastructure and a work culture that does not support work-life balance, hinders female participation. The need to create support networks and mentorship for women was emphasized, following the example of the ACERA association, which already has 700 members and seeks to expand its model in the region.
Despite the challenges, important progress was acknowledged, such as the creation of the Office of Gender and Human Rights at the Chilean Ministry of Energy and the launch of a gender strategy for H2V with EU support. The experts agreed that it is crucial to seize the current moment of high female mobilization and institutional interest to build a more inclusive energy sector. Failing to do so could perpetuate inequalities in an area fundamental to the future of the country and the planet.