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In the rapidly evolving world of work, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are at the forefront of innovation, driving sustainable development and economic growth. The rise of green jobs—crucial for mitigating climate change and advancing environmental sustainability—further underscores the critical role of STEM expertise. Despite the increasing demand for skilled professionals in these areas, a significant gender gap persists, with women and girls markedly underrepresented in STEM education, employment, and entrepreneurship, particularly in leadership roles.
This gap not only reinforces socio-economic inequalities but also hinders innovation by excluding diverse perspectives, weakening the effectiveness of solutions for a just green transition and wasting untapped talent that could drive sustainable economic growth.
UNDP and OECD are jointly conducting a regional study examining the intersection of green jobs, STEM skills, transferrable skills, and gender equality in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. The findings will provide actionable recommendations to support gender-responsive green transitions. The regional study covers Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Azerbaijan. Türkiye, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
UNDP and OECD will share the findings during a policy dialogue with representatives from EU institutions, governments, international development organizations, academia, and civil society. The dialogue will discuss concrete actionable policy measures towards closing the gender gap and skills gap, understanding the public and private sectors roles and partnerships.
The study is complementing the efforts of the “Greening the future, advancing rights and stability” project implemented by UNDP with the support of Denmark in a systemic response to support the green and just transformation in the region that empowers women to lead and benefit from it.
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