International Women’s Day 2026: Continuing our journey toward equality in the energy transition

A commitment we began in 2018 and continue to strengthen

As the demand for STEM expertise increases across Europe, the energy sector faces a defining moment. Ensuring that women have strong representation in technical and leadership roles is essential for building the talent pipeline required for the future  energy system. Supporting women to join and remain in these fields strengthens our collective capacity to innovate and deliver the solutions needed for a fossil free future.

This responsibility begins with the way we attract talent. It includes training our recruiters, reviewing our recruitment strategies and ensuring that the language we use in job advertisements is inclusive and encourages more women to apply. It also means being present where talent is, for example by participating in events such as Women in Tech and other initiatives that help us connect with women in STEM and showcase the range of opportunities within the energy transition.

At the same time, attracting women into our organisation is only the first step. True progress requires creating an environment where women experience equal pay, equal opportunities and equal access to leadership pathways. This is why Vattenfall signed the Equal by 30 initiative in 2018, reaffirming our commitment to equal pay, equal opportunity and equal leadership for women in the energy sector. Since then, we have seen meaningful progress. Female representation in leadership increased from 24 percent in 2018 to 34 percent in 2025. This upward movement reflects the long term impact of consistent efforts and the strength of our collective focus.

“International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. It is also a reminder that progress toward gender equality requires continued action.

 At Vattenfall, creating an inclusive workplace is not a side conversation — it is part of how we build a stronger organisation. Ensuring women have equal opportunities to contribute, grow and lead is fundamental to accessing the full breadth of talent and perspectives needed for strong organisational performance. 

This day invites us both to celebrate the contributions of women and to reflect on what more we can do. By addressing barriers, strengthening inclusion and continuing to raise awareness around women’s rights, gender equality and pay equity, we strengthen the conditions for people to contribute, develop and lead.

Because when inclusion is part of how we lead and how we work together every day, we create an environment where people — and our organisation — can perform at their best,” says Stephanie Hinton-James, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Women in Energy by Vattenfall

If you want to stay close to the conversation and connect with others who are shaping the future of the sector, join our Women in Energy network on LinkedIn. More than a community, Women in Energy has evolved into an industry platform where women exchange insights, share experiences and explore new opportunities across the energy landscape. What began with Vattenfall at the E world fair in 2020 has grown into a network of more than two thousand five hundred members, hosting well attended events at major industry fairs and creating spaces that are open, inclusive and full of energy.

You can find out more about Women in Energy Network on LinkedIn here:  
Women in Energy by Vattenfall | Groups | LinkedIn