Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, has been acknowledged as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum for its work in supporting women’s economic and social development through renewable energy in the Sahel region. In partnership with Plan International, Schneider Electric’s Economic and Social Development of Women through Renewable Energies in the Sahel (DESFERS) program empowers women in Senegal, Mali, and Niger by providing green skills training, enhancing technical school infrastructure, and offering entrepreneurship support in the growing renewable energy sector.
The DEI Lighthouse Program, managed by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society, highlights impactful DEI initiatives and showcases proven strategies that inspire leaders across business and government to build more resilient and inclusive economies. Schneider Electric’s DESFERS program was selected for its contributions to gender parity in the green economy.
Charise Le, Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Electric, expressed, “We are truly honored to be recognized as a DEI Lighthouse. We believe that creating meaningful impact means ensuring everyone is included, fostering a culture that values all our stakeholders, from employees and supply chain partners to customers and local communities.”
Launched in 2019 in collaboration with Plan International and other partners, the DESFERS program aims to empower women in rural areas where social norms often limit economic participation. The program is part of Schneider Electric’s broader Youth Education & Entrepreneurship initiative, which aims to train one million youth, particularly women, for the energy transition and support 10,000 entrepreneurs by 2025.
The DESFERS program has achieved notable successes, such as training 7,204 women in green skills, enabling the creation of 6,099 women-led green businesses, and improving access to renewable energy and financial services for 21,000 women. Through training, mentorship, and access to funding, the program creates a strong ecosystem of support, empowering women to drive a fair and inclusive energy transition.
Chris Leong, Chief Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric, commented, “Shaping a just energy transition requires collective effort. By working together, we can turn our ambitions into meaningful actions. Through initiatives like Youth Education & Entrepreneurship, we are empowering women and advocating for gender equality at every stage of the energy value chain, unlocking the potential for sustainable progress.”
Schneider Electric’s purpose is to create impact by enabling everyone to maximize energy and resources, bridging the gap between progress and sustainability for all. With a mission to be the trusted partner in sustainability and efficiency, Schneider Electric continues to embrace diversity and inclusion, guided by its commitment to a sustainable future. This partnership will drive enhanced performance, scalability, and future growth in the industry.
