A series of UNEP publications advocate for gender equality in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) industry, aiming to eliminate workforce barriers and increase women’s participation.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released multiple guides supporting the integration of gender-responsive policies into the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector, in alignment with the Montreal Protocol and international human rights frameworks. These documents highlight strategies to enhance women’s inclusion, address workplace inequities, and promote economic independence through education and employment.
According to UNEP, women remain significantly underrepresented in technical roles, with female participation in engineering averaging only 10–20% globally. Barriers include limited training opportunities, lack of female peers, and workplace biases. To address this, UNEP urges the adoption of policies such as equal pay, anti-harassment protocols, maternity leave provisions, and flexible work schedules.
UNEP also recommends that RAC manufacturers, service workshops, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions actively recruit women and offer mentorship, safety assurances during on-the-job training, and leadership pathways. Encouraging participation in commercial and policy-related roles is also emphasized, including customs enforcement and procurement.
Beyond workforce benefits, the inclusion of women in technical roles is linked to increased innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. Gender-diverse teams are shown to improve communication, collaboration, and financial performance, supporting broader economic development and poverty reduction.
"Empowering women through education, training, and employment opportunities in the RAC sector enhances their economic independence and strengthens their role in society," notes one UNEP guide.
"Women's inclusion can help introduce fresh ideas and approaches to the technical challenges faced by the RAC sector," states UNEP in its guide on women in refrigeration.