Interview: Gender equality is key to a just renewable energy future

“There’s a misconception that the energy sector is only for engineers,” says Chhantyal. “That’s harmful, because there are fewer women in engineering – so they’re even less likely to see themselves in energy.”

Her project – launched with fellow Fulbright scholars and funded by the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund – deliberately focused on highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary skills for clean energy. It showed how careers in law, environmental policy, business, labor rights, and finance intersect with the renewable energy sector, beyond engineering. “No single skill set can carry the sector alone. It will thrive when people with diverse skills come together with a shared purpose.”

They targeted women finishing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes – many of whom had no idea how to enter the field – with the goal of providing training and inspiring women to see themselves in the renewable energy sector.

The project also emphasized entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship isn’t encouraged among women in many communities,” says Chhantyal. But green business is a powerful way to involve more women in energy, especially given the gender gap in STEM.