As the Clean Energy Ministerial meetings unfolded in San Fransisco this week, one issue in the spotlight was the underrepresentation of women globally in the clean energy sector.
The Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) women’s initiative has worked to fill that gap since the program launched in 2010. Its goal is to recognize accomplished women working in all aspects of clean energy and identify role models for other female clean energy professionals.
Merran Smith, Executive Director at Clean Energy Canada, was among the Canadians named to the C3E International Ambassador Corps in San Fransisco. Other new ambassadors for Canada this year are Ilse Treurnicht, CEO of MaRS Discovery District, Marie-Hélène Labrie, Senior VP for Government Affairs and Communications with Enerkem, and Céline Bak, President of Analytica Advisors.
“I’m honoured to be recognized along with so many talented and successful women working in clean energy,” Smith said. “It’s such an exciting time to be working in clean energy—this sector will be at the forefront of innovation in the years ahead, so I’m delighted to be part of this effort to encourage more young women to consider careers in this field.”
The gender gap is especially evident at senior levels in the clean energy sector. Below, just one woman is pictured among the energy ministers gathered in San Francisco.
It’s a picture that C3E hopes will change with time, education and empowerment.
