“How women are portrayed professionally minimises their capacity for thoughtful and prudent decision-making,” says Professor Roula Inglesi-Lotz, Head of the Energy Economics Unit at UP.

In this interview, she also discusses women’s status in various spheres and shares her understanding of the electricity crisis in South Africa.

Please tell us more about you and your work

For more than a decade, I have conducted research in the area of energy economics. I've grown interested in attempting to comprehend the causes of the nation's and the world's energy and climate crises. I have economics training from the University of Pretoria, and during my PhD, I focused on energy economics. Since then, my academic journey has given me a thorough understanding of the relationships between economic theories and energy markets, government regulations, and sustainable development. I focus on separating the intricate web of connections between energy resources, market forces, and the larger socioeconomic framework. With this understanding, my colleagues, students, and I provide insights into the complex landscape of energy transitions, highlighting the significance of developing holistic strategies specific to each situation. To pave the road for a more sustainable energy future requires assessing factors such as resource availability, technology prices, and economic viability.

What is the ‘just energy transition’ that we are now starting to hear more about in everyday conversations?

The idea of a just energy transition symbolises an all-encompassing strategy beyond the simple support of any technology direction. It emphasises the importance of considering the complex interactions between various elements, such as the availability of resources unique to each country, the expenses associated with sophisticated technology, and a wide range of other multiple drivers. This paradigm encourages an equal path toward the growth of sustainable energy while realising that the best course may differ depending on certain socioeconomic and geographic situations. In the global search for sustainable energy systems, a path should be followed that ensures both environmental improvement and social equality by abstaining from an exclusive concentration on any one technology and adopting a comprehensive approach.

Walk us through a day in your role and please discuss how the current energy crisis will impact the energy transition.

The South African energy crisis significantly impacts the country's continuing energy transition efforts. The crisis, characterised by a limited energy supply and operational difficulties, could make it difficult to smoothly implement a sustainable energy transition. The utilisation of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which is essential for the transition, may be hampered by the focus and allocation of resources on short-term energy supply solutions. Investments in innovative ventures and renewable energy sources may be reduced due to uncertain policy frameworks and low investor confidence. Additionally, an energy crisis might unintentionally divert focus from climate goals, increase reliance on fossil fuels, and undermine public support for the transition.

How can we navigate some of these issues?

To successfully navigate the difficulties provided by issues like the energy crisis and facilitate an energy transition, academic researchers in economics, such as myself, have the potential to play a pivotal role. A scholar with a thorough understanding of economic theory can perform a variety of roles in this situation. We contribute by conducting meticulous studies revealing complex interactions between economic variables, political structures, and energy dynamics. Academic researchers provide insights essential for designing resilient and sustainable energy systems by assessing the economic viability of renewable energy integration, evaluating the efficiency of incentive mechanisms, and quantifying the socio-economic repercussions of energy policy decisions. Additionally, we may play a crucial role in forging interdisciplinary collaborations, directing public conversation, and empowering stakeholders with the information they need to make decisions that will accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more equitable, and commercially viable energy landscape.

What types of stereotypes do people have about women in your field?

Various persistent prejudices have been raised in the discourse surrounding women, spanning numerous contexts, and having a significant impact. There is also the unjustified belief that women are intrinsically unqualified in math and engineering, in addition to the preconception that they are only naturally good at management, organisation, and multitasking. How women are portrayed professionally minimises their capacity for thoughtful and prudent decision-making. Another misconception includes the assumption that women's responsibilities to their families limit their ability to juggle work and family life successfully. In addition, biases still exist that limit women's ability to lead and demonstrate technical skills.

What can be done to overcome these biases?

Women's capacity for effective engagement is undermined by the persistence of their status as passive participants in contexts that demand assertiveness. These ingrained assumptions highlight the necessity of combating gender-based prejudices and fostering an inclusive environment that promotes parity, giving women the chance to succeed in various professional and personal spheres. To address this requirement, it is necessary for women to be substantively included in leadership and decision-making positions to promote real and meaningful development, rather than simply employing them as a checkbox.

Do you think we need a special month to honour women?

It is intriguing that we set aside an entire month to celebrate women. Women's Month is fundamentally a platform for honouring women's outstanding accomplishments and efforts throughout history. It serves as a means of highlighting their accomplishments, recognising their tenacity, and motivating upcoming generations. Women's Month provides an occasion to reflect on the important path still ahead and to appreciate women's achievements and extraordinary contributions over the years. This is a time to acknowledge women's hardships and obstacles in various aspects of life, not simply their accomplishments. This month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to create a path toward true gender equality and ensure that the journey is characterised by advancement, female emancipation, and a common commitment to change. Finding a balance between emphasising their accomplishments in a concentrated manner and making sure that their effect is recognised consistently, regardless of the month, is the challenge. However, reserving an entire month for this purpose is somewhat restrictive. It might unintentionally support the idea that women's achievements should only be acknowledged during one specific time rather than being incorporated into our regular lives and conversations all year. In a perfect society, there would be occasions every day to celebrate and value the numerous accomplishments of women.