Why Women Risk Losing Out in Shift to Green Jobs

IMF Blog, October 7, 2024

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Men hold about 70 percent of the world’s polluting jobs.
Women are more underrepresented in green jobs than in polluting jobs.
Green jobs already employ one in 10 workers and are poised for much faster employment growth as the world shifts toward a sustainable economy.
In advanced economies, just 6 percent of women who work hold green jobs, compared to over 20 percent of working men.
Green jobs employ an even lower share of women in emerging market and developing economies.
Green jobs command a substantial wage premium over other jobs, even after accounting for workers’ education and experience.
- In Colombia, the wage premium is 9 percent for men and 16 percent for women.
Women account for less than a third of STEM graduates in many countries.

The gender gap in STEM education is a major barrier to women accessing green jobs; STEM skills are essential for engineering, renewable energy, and technology sectors that drive innovation.
Lower female participation in STEM leaves women less prepared for green jobs that will shape the future labor market.
Without targeted efforts to increase participation by women in STEM, the green transition may worsen workforce gender inequality.
Countries with a bigger share of STEM-educated workers and stronger gender equality policies tend to have steeper reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in response to climate policies; emissions intensity in these countries is 2 to 4 percentage points lower.
STEM education drives green innovation and provides the skills needed for green jobs.

Give women incentives for STEM education and ensure equal access to green jobs through:
- Early STEM exposure.
- Mentorship.
- Public-private partnerships.
Support women’s participation in the economy by:
- Reducing labor market barriers.
- Improving access to finance.
- Reforming legal frameworks.
- Increasing board representation.
Implement education reforms and training for educators to boost female STEM participation and prepare women for green employment.

Ireland tripled its share of young women earning STEM degrees in the space of eight years by:
- Integrating STEM subjects across all education levels with a focus on early education for girls.
- Adopting gender-focused curricula.
- Providing specialized training for educators.

Source: Why Women Risk Losing Out in Shift to Green Jobs — Stefania Fabrizio, Florence Jaumotte, Marina M. Tavares; October 7, 2024.