IE Foundation and Fundación Cepsa present the findings of their report on Energy Transition and Gender Equality
One out of every three young people contemplate working in fields associated with the environment and sustainable energies.
This morning, IE Foundation and Fundación Cepsa presented the results of their report “Transición energética e igualdad de género: Oportunidades para la juventud española” (in English, “Energy Transition and Gender Equality: Opportunities for Spanish Youth”) at the IE Tower.
The report, conducted by IE University professors Custodia Cabanas, Patricia Gabaldón, and Konstantina Vlogianni, reveals that the majority of young people in Spain have a high environmental awareness and a greater interest in working in areas related to the environment and sustainable energy.
The event was inaugurated with words from Teresa Mañueco, Vice-president of Fundación Cepsa, and Gonzalo Garland, Executive Vice-president of IE Foundation, who highlighted the commitment of both institutions to contribute to the transformation of society.
“One of the main findings of this study, in collaboration with IE Foundation, points to the need to increase awareness among young people about the opportunity to promote gender equality through the energy transition. If one in three young individuals is considering working in fields related to the environment and new energies, as revealed by this report, we must focus efforts on promoting gender-equitable careers in the sector in the future,” says Teresa Mañueco, Vice President of Fundación Cepsa.
Afterward, researchers Custodia Cabanas and Patricia Gabaldón presented the main findings of the study, which highlights the need to understand and promote the connection between sustainability, energy transition, and gender equality to address global challenges. Understanding the link between gender equality and the energy sector is essential to ensure a fair and equitable transition to a more sustainable energy, promoting opportunities for gender equality.
After the presentation of the results, a roundtable discussion moderated by journalist Pilar García took place. The panel included contributions from Andrea González Henry (President of the Youth Council), Isabela del Alcázar (Chief Sustainability Officer at IE University), Mónica Chao (President of Women, Action, and Sustainability), and Ramón Pueyo (Partner and Head of Sustainability and Corporate Governance Services at KPMG Spain).
The conclusions drawn from the report and the opinions of experts show that one of the main professional drivers for Gen Z is climate activism. Additionally, it is important to highlight the significant synergy between energy transition and gender equality, emphasizing that energy transition can drive the inclusion of women in STEM careers. Finally, it is considered that, in the context of energy transition, education makes a big difference, as a higher level translates to greater interest among young people in working in professions related to the environment or sustainable energy.