AN UPDATE FROM THE DH DIVAS SCANDINAVIA, BY KAMMA EILSCHOU HOLM
It’s been a while since we published an update from the District Heating Divas Scandinavia, founded in 2023. However, Kamma Eilschou Holm now offers some inspiration for advancing gender equality in your organization or company. 
“As spring approaches, so do the elections for the boards of directors in Danish cooperative district heating companies,” says Kamma. “Many district heating companies aim to attract more consumers to their elections. Ultimately, we aspire to create election materials that resonate with both women and men.”
“For now, we simply encourage you to check if you receive heat from a cooperative company and see if they have upcoming elections. If so, we urge you to consider standing for election. District heating lies at the heart of Denmark’s green transition, offering a genuine opportunity to make a significant impact.”
You can follow this link to the Danish District Heating Association’s website to access a list of members and locate your company: https://danskfjernvarme.dk/om-os/medlemskort. 
Recently Published Inspirational Brochure
If you need inspiration on how you and your organization can consciously work towards gender balance at the leadership level, Denmark’s Minister for Gender Equality, Marie Bjerre, published a brochure in January 2024. Unfortunately, it is only available in Danish. You can access the brochure here. 
Report: The Danish Gender Equality Paradox
This report, published in English in 2022 by the Diversity Council, a coalition of business organizations, sheds light on the Danish Gender Equality Paradox. Current members of the council include AP Pension, Denmarks National Bank, Coloplast, Dansk Erhverv, Gorrissen Federspiel, Headspring Executive Development, ISS, KPMG, Maersk, Maersk Drilling, Maersk Tankers, McKinsey & Company, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, NKT, PensionDanmark, PwC, Ramboll, SAP, Tryg, Vestas, and Board Network. You can access the report here. 
Inspired by British District Heating Divas
The District Heating Divas Scandinavia drew inspiration from their British counterpart, District Heating Divas. Rachael Mills, the co-founder of DH Divas, was recently awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours list for her services to energy efficiency and, diversity and inclusion.
Rachael’s OBE recognizes her work in energy efficiency and establishing the Divas. Established in 2019, it has grown to nearly 1,000 members in the UK and Scandinavia within five years. They have groups that meet regularly in London, the Midlands, the North, the South-West, Scotland, and Denmark, as well as specific groups for the public sector and those in the early stages of their heat network careers.
“I feel so honoured to be awarded an OBE – and it was such a surprise!” says Rachael. “I’m supported by a wonderful network of inspirational women and men who I’m lucky enough to work alongside – this was definitely a team effort!” says Rachel Mills.
All we can say is Congratulations, Rachael! It is well-deserved! And thank you for your inspiration. 
You can read more about District Heating Divas here.
A podcast initiated the new cross-border friendship.
Did you ever hear the interview where Kamma Eilschou Holm and Rachel Mills initially met each other? Listen to the podcast hosted by DBDH with Charlotte Owen as moderator.