Women Holding the Line: Damilola Ogunbiyi

As we close out Earth Month, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women who are holding the line and taking bold action to protect our planet. I speak not only as CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) but on behalf of the entire community of women at SEforALL who drive our mission forward each day.

At SEforALL, our commitment to an equitable, inclusive energy transition is reflected in our team composition: 53% of our staff are women and over 24% identify as Black African (compared to just 1% of all renewable energy workers globally). These figures underscore the progress that we have made and serve as a recognition that a diverse energy workforce drives better outcomes for people and the planet.

This April, we celebrated inspiring changemakers leading action to triple renewable energy production by 2030 and empower communities with affordable, clean energy. We have celebrated Camille André-Bataille and Dina Rajaobelina of ANKA, whose innovative energy solutions are transforming energy access in Africa and empowering women and youth entrepreneurs. We have recognized Nicki Becker, a youth climate activist who has grown a grassroots movement into a force of over 100,000 young people mobilized for sustainable change across Latin America. We have shined a spotlight on the work of Kanoatkhon Umurzokova, whose leadership in waste management and energy efficiency is accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7.

Each of these leaders embodies the intersection of gender equality, innovation, and sustainability—and reminds us that women are not just participants but architects of our global clean energy future.

As we close “Earth Month 2025: Women Holding the Line & Taking Action to Protect the Earth,” I urge us all to never forget the vital role women play in the energy transition. Women are not just participants—they are innovators, leaders, and defenders of our planet. Let us continue to invest in women-led energy solutions, elevate women’s voices and ensure gender balance at decision-making tables, and commit to the collection of gender data.

This Earth Month has shown what is possible when women lead. Now, let us ensure that every day, everywhere, women’s leadership and expertise light the way to a sustainable future.