Can Just Transition solve gender inequalities in the labour market?

Borowczyk, Z., Rączka, J. (2024). Can Just Transition solve gender inequalities in the labour market? The case of Polish lignite regions. Instrat Working Paper 01/2024.
gender responsive just transition

The debate on Poland’s use of coal and its impact on the mining and energy sector has been underway for many years. Yet, we rarely consider whether this support is gender-inclusive. In a new report, Instrat’s team analyses gender-responsive just transition in coal regions in Poland. Initial insights reveal that the support offered is only superficially equal. Additionally, Instrat team explains how to design just transition tools to address labour market inequalities. 

Is the just transition gender-inclusive? 

Polish industry workers are mainly men – in Greater Poland Voivodeship, Lower Silesia and Łódzkie Voivodeship women make up only 30% of industry workers. Contrary to popular belief, the energy transition will not affect only men in the labour market. The lack of investments outside the industry, employment structure and male-dominated jobs, make it harder for women to stay professionally active. 

Gender-responsive just transition is not widely known and understood in Poland today, and as Instrat, we are introducing this concept to the broader public and stakeholders. Addressing gender inequalities in the labour market through just transition mechanisms also means that the RES sector alone may not provide sufficient job opportunities. Therefore, coal regions in Poland should focus on improving the local labour market and tailoring it to women’s needs. This calls for diverse investments in new workplaces rather than focusing on heavy industries that will replace mines and power plants, explains Zofia Borowczyk, an analyst at Instrat. 

Labour market problems in coal regions

Regions with low industry diversification are also particularly prone to male-dominated workplaces. Energy transition, which is approaching Polish coal regions located near Bełchatów, Zgorzelec (Turów) and Konin, will underscore the problem of professional qualifications of both male and female workers. A high share of predisposed industry workers in a given region is likely to result in the emergence of new workplaces in similar industries. Instrat’s team is highlighting this problem today, as it will create workplaces hiring mainly men and leaving women behind. 

Low labour market diversification and a mismatch with women’s needs and preferences is a problem that can be addressed with existing just transition mechanisms. – Energy transition is also a chance to improve the situation of women in the labour market. Ditching industry-focused monoculture and diversification of the labour market must involve the creation of workplaces that are suitable for women. In practice, aside from heavy industries, service businesses or places offering facilities such as remote working or subsidised nurseries and kindergartens will be needed – points out Zofia Borowczyk. 

The energy transition can be a turning point for female workers in coal regions. New possibilities and the end of labour monoculture can be a chance to find employment. – There is a strong correlation between the unemployment rate and the share of women in the unemployed. For instance, in the Konin region, the unemployment rate stands at 6.5 per cent, with women comprising 61 per cent of this group. Meanwhile, in the Turów region, these figures are similar to national rates – 5 per cent and 52 per cent. The situation is different because, in the Turów region, there are more possibilities for women – says Jan Rączka, Head of Just Transition Impact Advisory Hub at Instrat. 

Energy transition – a catalyst of change? 

Current forms of support, seemingly non-discriminatory, do not take into account the inequalities of the labour market. Implementing an unadapted form of support won’t bring a new dynamic – contrary to it, it will strengthen the inequalities. To call just transition genuinely ‘just’, the specific situation of women in the labour market must be taken into account. 

Jan Rączka, sums up, how we can achieve this goal: The development of just transition mechanisms should be based on research that answers the question: What are the main obstacles for women in finding employment in coal regions? A good example of a gender-responsive just transition is “the Job After Coal” program, implemented in Eastern Greater Poland. Support in the “Job After Coal” program is available not only for mine and power plant workers but also for their families, including 7.6 thousand women. 

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