Women in energy seize the day
THE energy sector remains one of the least gender-diverse sectors, and the Caribbean is no exception. Despite making up 39 per cent of the global labour force, women only account for 16 per cent of the traditional energy sector; the numbers are even lower for management levels.
From engineers to line women, electricians, and everything in-between, women in Jamaica’s energy sector work in a small number of diverse roles. Thankfully, as the energy sector goes through a transformation process, more women are taking advantage of available training and job opportunities. Women are also taking on entrepreneurship opportunities as viable business ideas are spawned out of the e-mobility space. It is well accepted that two sectors in particular have the power to completely redefine the shape of a country’s economic and social future — energy and transport. Recognising this, the eDrive Project is a driving force behind Jamaica’s readiness for the e-mobility revolution.
The eDrive Project is being implemented by the JPS Foundation in collaboration with other partners. It is an initiative aimed at building a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem. The project will be executed over three years at a cost of US$2 million and is jointly funded by the IDB Lab and JPS.
One of project eDrive’s main objectives is to ensure emergency first responders are prepared for contingencies and mechanics are trained to service electric vehicles(EVs). In addition, project eDrive is anchored in the idea that Jamaica’s evolving electric mobility sector must intentionally create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their employees. The fact is that the electrification of transportation is expected to create new business opportunities and new jobs in the EV value chain. Therefore, seizing viable business chances will be a linchpin in the country’s economic growth and development.
Princess Thompson, an electrical demonstrator at HEART/NSTA Trust, participated in the entrepreneurship bootcamp hosted by eDrive in 2022. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Thompson said it could be challenging at times, but she stays motivated because of her passion for her career.
“I didn’t enter my field seeing any other woman to motivate me, so it was harder for me. I want to level that playing field for young ladies entering to become electrical demonstrators,” she said. Thompson was also an entrant in the recently concluded eDrive Innovation Challenge in which young enterprising individuals were given a platform to present their business ideas while being mentored by experienced business owners.
“The eDrive Innovation Challenge has shown me that I can turn my skill into a marketable business. I am looking forward to experiences I have never had. Seeing that this is a new and developing sector within Jamaica, I am filled with anticipation. It feels good, too, that I am part of history in the making,” Thompson said.
Rhashida Carr, a dispatcher at the Jamaica Automobile Association, said that being the first point of contact for the company’s customers, she had to get involved with the project’s training opportunities.
“There are certain terms relating to electric vehicles that I will be able to understand and better communicate to technicians when customers call and have issues with their vehicles. I love continuous learning, so I had to jump on board. Seeing an electric vehicle first-hand, I was extremely excited and ready to brag about my new knowledge,” she said.
Meanwhile, Caroline Brown, a sales clerk at a parts company, said being involved in the programme made her feel comfortable in her own space, especially in a male-dominated area in which she can learn and speak more confidently about parts and services relating to her job. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge of EVs with the taxi operators who visit her place of work daily.
“I can see many possible angles to start my own company later on … to open a parts place for traditional vehicles and to do my maintenance work on EVs. Being known as the technician able to work on both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles is definitely going to be a unique selling point for me to market myself,” Brown said.
Right now, as the energy industry undergoes a rapid transformation, these women are representing how to embrace change.
