Energy poverty is a global concern that has hooked its claws on women in developing countries. Women are predominantly the main users and producers of household energy. In some countries that fall under The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), it is estimated that up to 30 per cent of households live in energy poverty, limiting access to education and economic opportunities for women and girls. The lack of access to reliable and clean energy limits socio-economic growth and hampers women’s advancement in numerous ways. In some regions, women are primarily responsible for collecting fuel, spending hours gathering biomass like wood for cooking and heating each day. This does not only expose them to health risks from indoor air pollution, but also detracts from time that could be spent on education, income-generating activities, or personal development.
Furthermore, the lack of access to electricity limits educational opportunities, as girl children often have insufficient lighting to study in the evenings. Women are also affected by this, as they are often responsible for their children’s education. Additionally, limited access to modern energy impacts healthcare services, making it challenging for women to access proper medical care during childbirth or emergencies. However, within this challenge lies an opportunity to empower women and communities by addressing energy poverty. Providing access to reliable and clean energy sources, women can spend more time on education, income-generating activities, or personal development. This can help them break free from the cycle of poverty. Moreover, access to electricity can improve healthcare services, making it easier for women to access proper medical care. Addressing energy poverty is crucial to achieving gender equality and empowering women to reach their full potential.
Empowering women is pivotal in the fight against energy poverty. Initiatives that focus on providing women with access to clean energy solutions improve their quality of life and foster community development. When women are given the tools and resources to access clean energy, it does not only benefits them but also has a ripple effect on their families and communities, such as:
Education and Training: Equipping women with the knowledge and skills to utilise clean energy technologies. This not only creates opportunities, but also for income generation which allows them to participate actively in decision-making processes related to energy usage.
Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunities: Encouraging women to become involved in distributing, maintaining, and developing clean energy solutions can create entrepreneurial opportunities. This involvement not only promotes economic growth but also challenges traditional gender roles.
Advocacy and Policy Implementation: Empowering women involves advocating for policies prioritising gender-inclusive energy access. By involving women in the policymaking process, their unique perspectives and needs can be addressed more effectively.
Numerous initiatives across the globe showcase the transformative power of empowering women within the context of addressing energy poverty. Projects focusing on providing clean cooking solutions, solar energy access, and women-led entrepreneurship in the energy sector have proven to be successful in enhancing the lives of women and their communities. Such an initiative is the Barefoot College, which trains rural women to become solar engineers. These women return to their communities as skilled solar technicians, bringing clean and sustainable energy solutions to their villages while serving as role models for other women.
Empowering women in energy access is a matter of social justice and a crucial step towards sustainable development. By recognising and addressing the specific challenges women face in energy poverty, societies can unlock the potential of women as catalysts for change. Embracing inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches to energy access will brighten homes and illuminate a path towards gender equality and empowerment.