Green skills for girls: advancing young women’s participation in the green economy

Author: Avipsha Rayamajhi

Young people comprise a significant part of the population worldwide. It was projected that in 2020, youth aged 15 to 24 years accounted for 15.5 per cent of the global population. As they prepare to join the ever-changing workforce, it becomes essential to assess whether their skills match the demands of the current and prospective job market.

In 2022, 73 million youth were estimated to be unemployed globally. This reality is even more challenging for marginalized youth, including young women from developing countries due to poverty, lack of formal education, and social norms. In 2022, the female youth unemployment rate was 17.2 per cent compared to 15.1 per cent among the male youth population.

A green economy rooted in sustainable economic growth has the potential to overcome the problem of unemployment. However, youth, also recognized as torchbearers by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, are severely underrepresented in this paradigm shift. According to a global survey, only 29 per cent of young people feel competent in having the skills they identified as important to tackle the climate crisis- a fundamental catalyst of the green economy. Some of these top skills include critical thinking, leadership, research and data analysis, activism, adaptability, flexibility, and resilience. Young women exhibit even less sense of competence than young men.

The active representation of young women in the green economy is crucial for a just transition that ensures the workforce is fair and inclusive. Moreover, since the youth population is at the cusp of entering the workforce, they have prominent roles to play given their ability to contribute longer. The participation of young women in the green economy also contributes to close the gender gap by helping women break free from traditional gender roles since it opens pathways to new skills and opportunities.

However, pre-existing inequalities and systemic barriers hinder their engagement. Traditional gender roles discourage young women from engaging in fields highly relevant to the green sector such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Women are often pushed into traditional career paths perceived to be more suitable for them such as caregiving, service industries and administrative roles. The restriction in their career choices from a young age leads women to be underrepresented in green sectors and further perpetuates gender inequality. A recent study by OECD reveals that only 28 per cent of women are engaged in green jobs.

To advance the engagement of young women in the sector, building their green skills is crucial. These skills need to be inculcated from a young age by encouraging them to pursue their interests despite societal stereotypes. It is also essential to foster and nurture their interests in subjects primarily aligned with the green sector such as STEM.

However, we also need to broaden our understanding of green skills and discard the narrative that it is limited to STEM. Green skills encompass a diverse range of occupational profiles and educational backgrounds and exist across sectors - private businesses, science and academia, agriculture, research, engineering and architecture, civil society organizations and government offices. Young women without a STEM background can still find opportunities in the green economy by leveraging their existing skills. Such skills can include teamwork and leadership, also called as ‘core skills’ or ‘skills for green transformation’ such as strategic and collaborative thinking.

The green transition holds endless possibilities, but it must be inclusive and give space to young women from different backgrounds. Socialization process should not limit the potential of girls from a young age by restricting their career choices and learning opportunities. We must challenge the stereotypes that hinder girls from pursuing careers in the green economy and provide them with the support they need to integrate into the sector.

As the world moves towards sustainability, it is imperative to foster the potential and interests of young women. By providing opportunities, support and encouragement, we can leverage the skills, creativity and enthusiasm of the young generation, including women, to create a sustainable society while simultaneously bridging the gender gap.

About the author

Avipsha Rayamajhi is a graduate student in Society and Environmental Governance. She is currently an Intern with the EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies programme implemented by UN Women and UNEP. With an interest in the intersection of climate and gender, she hopes to work in advancing women’s leadership in climate action.

[left] Avipsha Rayamajhi. Photo: Courtesy of Avipsha Rayamajhi