In a global context in which gender equity and inclusion are fundamental for sustainable development and business competitiveness, the Uruguayan Association of Women in Energy (AUME) and UN Women, within the framework of the REIF (Renewable Energy Innovation Fund) program, are working together to promote gender equity in the energy sector. REIF (Renewable Energy Innovation Fund) program, join efforts to lead change in the energy sector.join forces to lead change in Uruguay's energy sector. The collaboration focuses on the implementation of practices that promote social justice, and in turn strengthen the performance and competitiveness of companies in the sector.

On Tuesday, September 10, a key event was held to raise awareness of the importance of women's participation in decision-making roles in the energy sector and in companies in general, highlighting the positive impact of incorporating a gender perspective in organizational policies. The event was organized with the support of AUDER (Asociación Uruguaya de Energías Renovables), Ferrere and OMEU (Organización de Mujeres Empresarias, Ejecutivas y Emprendedoras del Uruguay), and brought together professionals and executives from the energy sector, as well as representatives of companies in the industry.

The opening was in charge of AUME's coordinator, Noelia Maciera, who welcomed those present and highlighted the relevance of alliances to work together to narrow the gender gap in the sector. The association, one year after its creation, has reached nearly 200 women members, and continues to grow.

Magdalena Furtado, officer in charge of UN Women in Uruguay, presented the REIF program, an initiative promoted by the United Nations in conjunction with the government, with funds from the Joint SDG Fund for the SDGs This program offers, together with the banks, financing for investment projects in technologies and infrastructure aimed at the second energy transition, while providing technical assistance to companies to measure the impact of their projects and incorporate a gender perspective. 

Furtado stressed the importance of the gender component in this Program to promote a fair transition, and in this sense, she highlighted the partnership with AUME, which aims to generate female leadership capabilities in the sector (together with OMEU), and to offer partner companies the possibility of adhering to the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) through technical assistance led by UN Women within the framework of REIF, and carried out by the ALVA EMpathy consulting firm.

Next, Fernanda Ariceta, director of Alva Creative House, gave an inspiring presentation entitled "Women leading the way". In her presentation, Ariceta made a historical review of the role of pioneering women and contrasted the proven benefits of greater female participation in companies with the actual participation figures that show that in Uruguay women represent 16.6% of senior management positions in public companies and only 11% in the private sector, where the country lags behind the region.* The presentation focused on the challenges that remain and the opportunities to be seized. 

Ferrere's Energy and Infrastructure practice group leader, Gonzalo Socco, shared the firm's experience in the implementation of the WEPsand how that commitment translates into the company's day-to-day decisions.

Finally, Fernanda Castellanos presented OMEU's "Más Ejecutivas" program, accompanied by Mariana Estradé, who shared her experience as a participant. Castellanos announced that a special edition will soon be held for AUME members. This training, aimed at strengthening women's leadership in the energy sector, will seek to prepare more women to occupy strategic roles in the energy sector. more women to occupy strategic and decision-making roles in an industry that is key to the country's development. The initiative was received with great enthusiasm by the attendees, who called on companies to encourage the participation of their talents in this transformative opportunity.

The path towards a more inclusive and equitable energy sector is underway; the meeting reaffirmed that women are present and will continue to generate a positive impact on the sustainability and competitiveness of companies, in a scenario where institutional alliances are a fundamental support.

*Source: El lugar de las mujeres uruguayas en los cargos de decisión (UN Women, 2021).