The Launch of Renewable Energy Mentorship Club at TUM to Empower Women in the Green Economy

Mombasa, Kenya – In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in the renewable energy sector, Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) in partnership with GIZ, WTS Foundation and P4T has launched the TUM-Renewable Energy Mentorship Club, anchored under the Directorate of TUM TVET. The program is supported by GIZ -Employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Africa (WE4D), an initiative focused on advancing women’s participation in renewable energy and sustainable development.

The mentorship club seeks to inspire, guide, and empower students and graduates pursuing careers in renewable energy fields such as solar energy, e-mobility, green hydrogen energy, and bio energy technologies. With the renewable energy sector traditionally dominated by men, this initiative aims to create pathways for women to not only enter but thrive in the industry.

Empowering Women in a Male-Dominated Field

Despite the growing demand for skilled professionals in renewable energy, women remain underrepresented in the field. According to studies, women account for less than 30% of the global renewable energy workforce, with even fewer occupying leadership roles. The TUM-Renewable Energy Mentorship Club addresses this imbalance by providing tailored support to female students and graduates.

Key objectives of the mentorship program include:

🔹 Career Guidance and Industry Exposure: The club will connect students with experienced mentors from the renewable energy sector. These mentors will provide guidance on navigating career challenges, securing internships, attachments, and employment opportunities, and overcoming gender biases in the workplace.

🔹 Building Resilience Against Gender Biases: Participants will receive training on how to cope with biases and stereotypes prevalent in male-dominated industries. Workshops on confidence-building, negotiation skills, and networking will equip women with tools to succeed professionally.

🔹 Hands-On Practical Experience: Through partnerships with industry leaders and organizations like GIZ WE4D, the club will offer practical, hands-on experience in cutting-edge renewable energy technologies. This includes exposure to solar panel installations, hydrogen fuel cell innovations, and biogas production systems.

🔹 Proposal Writing and Grant Submission Support: To foster innovation and research, the club will assist members in developing proposals for funding and grants. This will enable students and graduates to pursue further research in areas such as hydrogen energy, bioenergy, and other emerging renewable technologies.

A Platform for Women-Led Innovation

Speaking at the launch event, the Executive Director at P4T highlighted the transformative potential of the mentorship club. "This initiative is designed to bring practical, hands-on experience to youth and women and encourage them to join the renewable energy sector," he said. "By supporting women in this field, we are not only promoting gender equality but also driving innovation and sustainability."

The club's activities will focus on creating an inclusive environment where women can confidently explore careers in renewable energy. By encouraging more women to enroll in courses related to solar energy, e-mobility, hydrogen energy, and biogas technologies, the program aims to reshape the narrative around women's roles in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

For more information or to get involved, contact: