2024 marks the 114th International Women’s Day. The United Nations has themed this year’s Women’s Day as ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’, amplifying women’s voices and promoting women’s participation and leadership in climate action and developing a green economy, care society.
As an ESG pioneer, Trina Solar has always prioritized advancing gender equality and implementing sustainable development. We invited Trina Solar’s executive president, Helena Li, to discuss the role of women in climate action.
Q1: In recent years, UN and the international community have emphasized the importance of women in overcoming climate change. How do you perceive gender equality in energy transition?
A: Recognizing the potential contributions of women in the energy transition and supporting them to play the role is key to achieving sustainable development goals.
- Generally speaking, women and girls are often the first to experience the harsh realities brought about by climate change.
- More importantly, women exhibit a high level of concern and a unique perspective on sustainable development. Studies have shown that, globally, female political leaders tend to adopt more proactive and forward-looking measures in environmental protection policies.
Therefore, it is essential to fully address women’s needs and rights, protect and empower them. Only by fully leveraging the potential of every individual can we collectively tackle climate change.
Q2: From your experience within the PV industry, what unique advantages do female employees and leaders possess, and how do they contribute to the industry’s growth?
A: In the PV and broader renewable energy sectors, numerous outstanding female employees and leaders significantly drive technological innovation, aiding in enterprise growth, and fostering industry development.
Female leaders possess stronger inclusiveness and empathy, offering distinctive advantages in fostering collaboration and boosting team morale. They bring different perspectives and promote innovation. Importantly, female leaders often leverage their influence to raise awareness on issues such as gender equality, environmental protection, and sustainable development, advocating for policy and practical changes.
Q3: What efforts has Trina Solar made to promote gender equality?
A: Trina Solar invests in women to co-create a sustainable future.
- Firstly, Trina Solar is actively committed to building a diverse, equal and inclusive corporate culture. We explicitly and firmly oppose to any form of discrimination, intimidation, harassment and other disciplinary actions, commit to eliminating gender discrimination in the hiring, promotion, and training of employees.
- Additionally, Trina Solar cares for its female employees by enhancing their sense of belonging and creating a supportive work environment. The company provides holiday care gifts for female employees and has created a breastfeeding room for pregnant women. To support the growth of female employees, on average, women receive more training hours than their male counterparts.
- The renewable energy field, including solar energy, offers equal opportunities for women to realize their self-worth. We encourage more women to unleash their creativity and leadership and engage in actions promoting gender equality and sustainable development. At Trina Solar, women are active participants from production line workers to management, including myself.
Q4: In your opinion, how should we further promote gender equality and encourage more women to participate in the energy transition?
A: Currently, the PV industry is striving to promote gender equality and increase women’s participation in the energy transition.
- The discussions on “Women Power in Energy Transition” at COP28 underscored the critical role of women in driving towards a sustainable future.
- Significant progress has been made since the relaunch of Solar Energy International’s (SEI) program “Women in Solar Power” in 2022.
- Looking ahead, to further encourage women’s involvement in the energy transition, I think there are three aspects to focus on:
- Firstly, increase women’s participation in the renewable energy sector and promote equal access to decent work for women.
- Secondly, support women’s leadership and rights in climate and environmental matters, providing tools and training to enable them to lead in addressing environmental issues.
- Last but not least, effective guarantees and support to feminist organizations and institutions.
