International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements and an important reminder that true equality—especially in industries undergoing rapid change—requires persistent, collective effort. At EHRC, we are committed to championing greater representation of women in the electricity sector.
Our report, Electricity in Demand: Labour Market Insights 2023–2028, highlights the critical workforce needs facing the industry and the opportunity to close the gender gap.
The current state of women in Canada’s electricity workforce
Canada’s electricity sector face’s significant hiring challenges ovto meet retiring workforce numbers and growing energy demands. One key barrier to building this workforce is the underrepresentation of women:
Workforce composition: Women represent about 25% of the overall electricity workforce, with fewer in specialized technical and skilled trades roles.
Leadership gap: A lack of diverse leadership impacts workplace culture, mentorship opportunities and the visibility of female role models.
These statistics underscore the need and opportunity to attract, retain,and advance more women in the industry—from entry-level roles through to the C-suite.
Why representation matters
Meeting labour demands: Growing employment needs in power generation, transmission, distribution and clean energy technologies requirestapping into the full talent pool,including women, is critical to filling these roles and ensuring a resilient workforce.
Innovation and problem-solving: Diverse teams lead to increased innovation. Organizations that draw on varied perspectives are better equipped to develop creative solutions, foster collaboration and stay competitive.
Reflecting community needs: Electricity is an essential service and impacts individuals and communities across the country. When teams at every level mirror the diversity of the populations they serve, they bring inclusive thinking, improved customer engagement and better decision-making.
Closing the gap: strategies and best practices
Building a more inclusive and representative electricity sector goes beyond meeting labour demands; it sets a sustainable precedent. Proven strategies and practices include:
1. Targeted recruitment and outreach
- Collaborate with high schools, colleges and universities to encourage young women to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
- Participate in career fairs and community events specifically aimed at women exploring traditionally male-dominated sectors.
2. Mentorship and sponsorship
- Establish formal mentorship programs that connect experienced professionals, particularly women in leadership, with those early in their careers.
- Encourage sponsorship, where senior leaders actively champion high-potential women and advocate for their consideration for developmental roles or promotions.
3. Flexible Work Arrangements
- Offer flexible schedules, remote work options and comprehensive family leave policies.
- Demonstrate flexibility, which can significantly improve retention for women juggling professional growth with caregiving responsibilities.
4. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) Training
- Conduct ongoing unconscious bias and inclusive leadership training ensures hiring, promotion and performance reviews are equitable.
- Revisit job descriptions and evaluation criteria to remove unintentional barriers to women’s advancement.
5. Set and monitor clear targets
- Encourage organizations to commit to measurable diversity goals and track progress transparently.
- Share success stories and best practices across the sector to foster collective learning and accountability.
The theme of International Women’s Day 2025, #AccelerateAction, is both a celebration and a call to action. By strengthening recruitment pipelines, expanding mentorship, implementing inclusive policies and measuring progress, we can create an industry where all women thrive. EHRC encourages every organization and leader in the electricity sector to commit to deliberate, inclusive actions. Together, we can ensure that women enter, advance, lead and shape the future of Canada’s electricity landscape.
Happy International Women’s Day from EHRC!