This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Elodie Colliard, director of Switzerland’s Green Giraffe. She explained she encountered her fair share of gender-based assumptions and biases. “While the disparities remain obvious and women are still a minority, I take comfort in seeing more of us join the industry, bringing our skills and perspectives to the table,” she states.
March 28, 2025
Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu)
When I started my career in renewable energy over a decade ago, I quickly noticed something striking. The industry was almost entirely black and white—literally. At my first conferences in Europe, the rooms were filled with men in black suits and white shirts. And these men were almost all white, middle-aged professionals. I often felt like an oddball, struggling to relate and make small talk in an environment where I stood out so visibly.
Over the years, the scene has changed, albeit gradually. Today, I see more colors—green, blue, red, among others—as more women enter these spaces. While the disparities remain obvious and women are still a minority, I take comfort in seeing more of us join the industry, bringing our skills and perspectives to the table.
Like many women in this field, I have encountered my fair share of gender-based assumptions and biases. One incident, in particular, stands out. As a transaction project manager, I was leading a critical meeting with my team, our supervisor, and the client. I was the only woman in the room. Just before we began, my supervisor asked me to prepare coffee for the client. I wasn’t thrilled about it, but I did it. What truly upset me, though, was that by the time I returned, they had started the meeting without me. As the project manager, I was supposed to lead that discussion. Instead, I walked in to find key decisions already being made in my absence. It was very disrespectful and I highly doubt this would have happened if I were a man.
This experience reinforced my commitment to ensuring that everyone has a voice, regardless of gender, seniority, or background. As a manager, I strive to create an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued. It requires intentional leadership and ongoing effort to step away from preconceived ideas and encourage cooperation rather than competition at all times. I feel that sometimes competition takes too much space in our businesses and that teams and companies could benefit from more diversity, celebration, and collaboration.
When I was younger, I rarely paid attention to company policies beyond salary and job descriptions. However, as my career progressed, I realized how crucial certain policies are, especially for women who want to build long-term careers while balancing family life. Flexible work arrangements, paid maternity leave, and childcare support can make a world of difference. Companies that implement these policies not only attract more diverse talent but also retain it. Without these structures in place, too many talented women end up sidelined or forced to choose between their careers and their families.