Women in the Solar Industry

I had an interesting conversation yesterday at the Solar Power International show with a young lady whose mission was to ensure that women in the solar industry are accorded the same respect as men. I actually was unaware that this was a huge issue, but I eagerly assented to support her cause, as suggested in the photo here.  I noticed that she had another placard that read “I am not a booth babe,” which I presume she would have recommend for my colleague and me had we been female.

Upon reflection, I sadly admit that all trade shows, whether they concern renewable energy or steel blast furnaces, still utilize/exploit pretty girls to attract males’ attention. It’s a regrettable vestige of the sexism that continues to remain in the workplace, and we’ll most certainly be a better society when it’s gone.