South Africa Joins Global Push for Gender Equality in Carbon Market

Women in Carbon, a global network dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the carbon market, has expanded into South Africa with two industry leaders spearheading the group.

Shelley Estcourt, CEO Africa of The African Stove Company (TASC), and Mushra Hartley, global operations manager at IETA, will oversee the activities of the South Africa chapter, including organising networking events, mentorship programmes, and educational initiatives. The two will also ensure alignment with the broader vision of Women in Carbon, which is to empower diverse voices and create pathways for professional growth.

Women in Carbon was founded in 2022 to address the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within the carbon market. Since its inception, the initiative has grown to include over 4,000 members across 10 chapters worldwide.

Recent studies indicate that while many carbon market projects involve women in decision-making processes, more needs to be done to address gender equality on a broader scale , as currently women hold only around a quarter of leadership and managerial roles in clean energy companies in sub-Saharan Africa .

Under Shelley’s leadership, TASC has pioneered cookstove projects and other carbon initiatives that reduce emissions and improve energy access in underserved communities. As one of South Africa’s largest project developers, TASC has a strong presence in the country, notably as the world’s first to register with the Grassland Restoration and Stewardship in South Africa project (GRASS) project. The initiative promotes grazing techniques among South Africa’s communal farmers, scaling up adoption and incentivising sustainable practices.

Mushra will draw on her expertise as global operations manager at the IETA, a non-profit organisation advocating for businesses committed to building effective carbon markets, with the goal of achieving the Paris Agreement and reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

An inaugural event will take place on 18 February 2025 at the Kelvin Grove Club in Cape Town to mark the official launch. Sponsored by TASC, the event coincides with the African Green Economy Summit and will bring together industry professionals, leaders, and stakeholders to explore strategies for advancing gender equality in the carbon sector.

Shelley said: “The launch of the Women in Carbon South Africa Chapter comes at a critical time for the sector, both locally and globally. As we work towards ambitious climate goals, the need for diverse voices has never been greater. South Africa has a unique opportunity to lead by example in building a carbon market for the wider continent that not only addresses environmental challenges but also delivers tangible social and economic benefits.

“Through this important initiative, we aim to bridge gaps in representation, build capacity, and create pathways for the next generation of leaders. It’s not just about achieving net zero goals – it’s about ensuring equitable access and opportunities for everyone who wants to contribute.”

Mushra added: “The expansion of Women in Carbon into South Africa is a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and leadership in the carbon market. This initiative is not just about representation—it’s about creating real opportunities for women to shape the future of carbon markets, drive innovation, and lead meaningful climate action. By building a strong network of mentorship, education, and collaboration, we can ensure that diverse voices are not only heard but also empowered to make a lasting impact.”

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Author: Olivia Lynch from Frame on behalf of TASC.

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