See all news Quebec is at a decisive turning point in its energy transition. Meanwhile, our neighbors to the south are putting the brakes on their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, as well as their transition to renewable energies.
On this International Women's Rights Day, it's time to highlight the fact that women are essential allies and key agents in the implementation of an inclusive energy transition.
Despite the progress made in increasing the presence of women in the workforce, their under-representation in many professional sectors persists.
Mixed and diverse talents: a necessity
Our energy future must be plural. To truly transform the energy sector, we need to broaden our talent pool. The energy sector and the times we live in demand a fresh approach and an unprecedented capacity for innovation. To succeed in this transition, it is imperative to include women and value all forms of diversity, whether in management teams, research, development or decision-making bodies.
This societal change must be accompanied by a change in corporate culture. Beyond mentoring and the promotion of inspiring role models, it is crucial to rethink hiring, evaluation and promotion practices by integrating concrete equity measures. These are all levers to be pulled to build a truly inclusive, innovative and resilient energy sector.
Diversity is not a constraint, but a strength. It must become standard practice, not the exception. Let's dare to explore new paths and push back the boundaries of innovation. This change of direction lies not only in technology, but also in the way we think and act.
Gathering to innovate
The enthusiasm generated by the first edition of the "Les Elles dans le vent" event, held last December, confirms the importance of changing practices. By bringing together over 100 women from the renewable energies sector, both novices and experienced, in a unique space for dialogue and exchanges rich in learning, we celebrated the essential role of women in the energy transition.
Moving into the future together
In the face of major challenges that require us to rethink our approaches and innovate differently, the integration of complementary female leadership is an essential lever for transforming our practices and opening up new perspectives.
It's a win-win situation for business and society alike. Today, we are hundreds of women determined to reinvent the energy sector, in both form and substance. If there's one field that can make a difference, it's ours.
In the current context and with the growing climate challenges, there's no time to turn back. Let's move forward with determination towards a lower-carbon, more resilient economy and a fairer, more inclusive society. We are collectively building the future of energy: let's do it together.
On this International Women's Rights Day, let's rethink the way we do things, so that the aspirations of all women and men and collective innovation can come together to bring about lasting change in our societies.
Commit to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within your company.
Play an active part in the energy transition by promoting the diversity of talents and supporting innovative initiatives.
Let's build tomorrow's world together. What role will you be playing?
* Signatories (in alphabetical order) :
- Claudine Bouchard, Executive Vice-President, Operations and Infrastructure Manager - Hydro-Québec and President and CEO - Société d'énergie de la Baie James
- Frédéric Côté, General Manager - Nergica and President - Escouade énergie
- Mylany David, Partner - Langlois Avocats
- Stephane Desdunes, Vice President Development Canada and United States - EDF Renouvelables
- Flavie Desgagné-Éthier, Climate Change Program Director - Trottier Family Foundation and co-founder of Women in Climate Finance
- Maxim Doucet, Vice-President Operations - InnovÉÉ
- Eva Falk Pedersen, Senior Manager - TACT
- Eugénie Harrouch, Vice-President, Talent Management - Boralex
- Jonathan Henry, President - NUVÉO, Créneau d'Excellence des Énergies renouvelables
- Marie-Daphné Laguerre, founder - AfroQueen Consulting
- Marie-Helene Lamarre, President and CEO - Global Clarity Development
- Viviane Maraghi, Consultant
- Joëlle Pelletier-Nolet, Research Coordinator - NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering in Quebec
- Joanna Osawe, President and CEO - Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE)
- Carolina Rinfret, General Secretary - Régie de l'énergie du Québec
- Manon Rouillier, President of the Rouillier communications agency and President of the Women in Mining divisions for Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Quebec City
- Stéphanie Trudeau, Executive Vice-President Quebec - Energir
- Julie Turgeon, Vice-President Construction - Innergex
