Gender Equality and Resilience in Ukraine’s Energy Sector: Pathways to Transformative Employment and Leadership Amidst War

This gender analysis report, prepared by UNDP Ukraine, explores how gender equality and women’s empowerment can enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s energy sector amidst war and in the context of post-war recovery. Based on in-depth research and interviews conducted with women leaders in the sector, it offers a detailed overview of structural barriers to women’s employment and leadership in energy, and presents strategic entry points for inclusive recovery planning.

The report highlights that the energy sector in Ukraine remains male-dominated, with women occupying less than a quarter of positions and facing a persistent pay gap, particularly in high-wage sub-sectors like coal mining. Deep-rooted gender norms, limited access to STEM education, and stereotypes hinder women’s professional growth. The full-scale war has exacerbated these disparities, increasing care burdens and economic precarity among women, while also intensifying stress for energy sector workers.

Despite these challenges, the report identifies positive trends: growing female leadership in the sector, the establishment of gender focal points in the Ministry of Energy, and corporate efforts by state-owned enterprises like Ukrenergo and Ukrhydroenergo to implement gender-sensitive policies. The report also presents a SWOT analysis and comprehensive policy recommendations, including promoting women’s participation in green recovery, addressing the gendered impact of the war, closing the pay gap, and challenging stereotypes in education and employment.

Year: 2024