Residence Talk: Empowering Women in the Energy Sector

The global shift to renewable energy and the growing focus on climate protection are opening up exciting new career opportunities. However, 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱: in both Germany and Japan, less than 15% of employees in the energy sector are women. Persistent stereotypes and structural barriers—such as doubts about the compatibility of STEM careers with family life—continue to limit the sector’s full potential.

On 16. October 2025,  the German Embassy in Tokyo (Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany) and the German-Japanese Energy Partnership brought together female students, young professionals, and industry leaders for an inspiring Residence Talk in Tokyo to discuss these challenges—and, more importantly, the pathways to greater gender diversity and inclusion in the energy sector.

A warm welcome by Ambassador Petra Sigmund set the tone for an open, engaging, and forward-looking discussion. Our distinguished speakers—Dr. Anna Wallbrecht (Head of Unit Offshore Wind, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy), Dr. Namiko Murayama (Regional Business Development and Sales Manager for Green Hydrogen, thyssenkrupp nucera Japan), Erika Kano (Engineering Project Manager, Siemens Gamesa), and Hanna Hakko (Senior Policy Advisor, E3G)—shared invaluable insights on the importance of networks, visible role models, and targeted support programmes to foster greater gender diversity.

Events like these are vital for building cross-border connections, inspiring the next generation, and driving a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable energy future.

🎥Watch the event highlights in our video here: https://lnkd.in/eeM8fjhu

Photo Copyright: German Embassy Tokio (Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany)