Coal regions have been dominated by the classic image of men as the breadwinners of the household who work in coal jobs and women who take care of the unpaid care work. While the coal phase-out means a radical change for the traditional way of working, it also brings intra-family tensions to the family structure by threatening the inherent traditional masculinity within the family members’ identity. However, up till now, the design of a just transition has focused very much on replacing jobs occupied by men. As women from these regions tend to remain as silent actors, what their demands are and how they can actively shape this structural change are rarely the focus of the debate in regional parliaments.

On the other hand, many examples of alliances of active female leaders have arisen all across the world in the past years. From environmental groups who fight against mining methods that are harmful to people and the environment, to alliances that want their voices to be heard, women are advocating for a structural change to be thought of in a more holistic way: It is not just about the transition for industrial jobs, but restructuring regions’ economies to provide well-paid jobs for all with strong social and cultural infrastructure.