The Pacific Women in Power (PWIP) initiative, launched in 2023 by the World Bank and the Pacific Power Association (PPA), supports Pacific Island Countries in building a gender-inclusive energy sector.

Pacific Women in Power works closely with utilities and ministries to increase women’s participation, especially in technical and leadership positions. The initiative has been endorsed by Pacific Energy Ministers, marking a shared commitment to advancing gender equality in the power sector.

Key Findings

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in the Pacific’s energy workforce:

Women employees in utilities. 18.5%
Women employees in energy ministries 23.8%
Women in technical and leadership roles 6%
Women are overrepresented in administrative and support roles 77%

These figures highlight the urgent need for policies, mentorship, and pathways that enable women to succeed in the sector.

Explore Country Data Across the Pacific

Discover insights from each Pacific Island Country. Click on a flag to view utility and ministry data, women’s employment statistics, and initiatives driving gender equality in the energy sector.

Action Areas

Pacific Women in Power focuses on six core areas to transform the energy sector:

Get Involved

Pacific Women in Power offers technical assistance, partnerships, and resources for utilities and ministries.

  • Utilities: Strengthen your gender strategies.

  • Students & Professionals: Explore career pathways in energy.

  • Partners: Support gender-inclusive initiatives in the Pacific.

Why It Matters

Closing the gender gap is not just fair—it’s smart economics. Research shows that GDP per capita in Pacific Island Countries could rise by 22% if women’s employment equaled men’s.

Gender-diverse organisations benefit from stronger financial performance, higher innovation, and improved employee retention.

News and Updates

PNG Women in Power’s delegation to WEN-Africa, Zambia

“An amazing experience that offered us actionable insights and access to a global knowledge network” It was encouraging to hear the progress from African nations on […]

PPA and World Bank launch “Baseline Report on Women’s Employment in the Pacific Power Sector”

[Nuku’alofa – Tonga, Tuesday 1 October 2024] The Pacific Power Association (PPA) and World Bank today announced the findings of the ‘Baseline Report on Women’s Employment […]

Asian Development Bank – Increasing Access to Renewable Energy Project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is contributing towards the Tuvalu Government’s target of 100% renewable energy by 2025 through the grant funded IAREP (Increasing Access to […]

Course Announcement – Gender Equality & Development – Gender & Energy Module

Energy affects women and men differently, as men and women have different roles and responsibilities in households, markets and their communities. This makes their access, use, […]