Women's Month staff spotlight - Elisabeth Strasser-Müller

​My name is Elisabeth Strasser-Mueller, born and raised in Austria, and I hold a MSc. Degree in Development Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). I am a Senior Partnership Management Specialist at SEforALL. 

Reflecting on your involvement in various SEforALL projects & initiatives, could you highlight one that you found particularly impactful in advancing the inclusion and empowerment of women?

Through the SEforALL STEM Training programme, we provide support to women and youth particularly at the beginning of their career. The programme combines training opportunities with on-the-job learning, site visits, workshops, and supplementary training programmes. This is a well-rounded and holistic approach providing young women with the skills and confidence they need to further advance their careers within the energy sector.  

What do you perceive as one of the primary challenges in fostering women's increased participation in the sustainable energy sector?

Unfortunately, disparities continue to prevail in leadership and decision-making positions particularly in the energy and related industries, be it in the public or private sector. In the European Union, for example, women hold about 26 percent of high-level decision-making positions in the environment, transport and energy sectors (EIGE 2012) and globally women only hold 11 percent of ministerial positions responsible for energy, natural resource fuels and mining (UN Women and IPU 2023). Growing recognition for the role of women within the energy workforce and particularly their representation in leadership and boards as well as in technical training and mentoring is needed to address this challenge.

What guidance or advice would you extend to women who aspire to establish careers in sustainable energy?

Embarking on a career in sustainable energy is an impactful choice. By combining a strong educational foundation, networking, practical experience, and a passion for sustainability, women can make significant contribution to the field of sustainable energy and help shape a more sustainable future. More specifically I believe the following elements are important to keep in mind when establishing a career in sustainable energy:

Build a strong educational background in relevant fields like environmental science or engineering. Keep up-to-date with industry trends, technologies, and attend networking events. Connect with professionals, seek mentors, and join industry forums for guidance and opportunities. Develop a diverse skill set, including technical and soft skills, to stand out in the field. Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions. Stay resilient, learn from setbacks, and maintain a positive attitude. Support diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning to stay adaptable in this dynamic field.