The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), in coordination with the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Women in Energy (RedLACME), held the National Virtual Workshop on Building Women in Energy Networks in Cuba, with the participation of 35 professionals from the Cuban energy sector.
The event highlighted the importance of strengthening networks that promote women’s participation and leadership in the energy sector across Latin America and the Caribbean, acknowledging the structural challenges that still persist. Currently, women hold only 22% of board positions and 29% of managerial roles in the sector, figures that underscore the need to foster more inclusive career paths and connect pioneers with new generations.
During the workshop, women-in-energy associations from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic shared their experiences, presenting initiatives focused on employability, specialized training, women’s leadership, the creation of working committees, and the development of regional networks. These experiences demonstrated how collaboration can generate concrete projects, strengthen capacities, and create synergies that advance gender equality in the energy industry.
Tatiana Castillo, Legal Advisor at OLACDE, and Valentina Licanqueo, OLACDE consultant, opened the event by highlighting Cuba’s commitment to the gender agenda and the importance of learning from international experiences. Throughout the meeting, key challenges were discussed, including energy poverty, the low representation of women in technical and decision-making roles, and the need for gender-disaggregated energy statistics. The importance of building a more inclusive and gender-responsive energy ecosystem was also emphasized.
Representatives from regional organizations shared their journeys and lessons learned. Pía Suárez presented experiences in building associations to strengthen women’s employability; Anahí Soto showcased the work of AMES Argentina in advancing the energy transition with a gender perspective; Luisa Rivas described the creation of the Uruguayan Association of Women in Energy (AUME); and Paola Pimentel highlighted the establishment of formal structures with committees focused on training, leadership, and data generation to strengthen women’s participation in the sector.
