Gender, energy, and climate, driving sustainable change and empowerment

Introduction

In today’s world, gender inequality, energy access, and climate change are not separate issues. They are intricately connected, forming a nexus that must be addressed collectively to secure a sustainable and inclusive future. 

The intertwined nature of these challenges presents us with both an incredible opportunity and a formidable responsibility.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), lie at the heart of this discussion. These goals provide a roadmap for a more just and equitable world, but only if we act urgently and purposefully.

Image Credit to Rita Hausken

The gender dimension of energy and climate

While the world often focuses on technologies, policies, and economic impacts when discussing energy and climate change, the human aspect, particularly the gender dimension, is equally critical.

Women and girls, especially in developing regions, are disproportionately affected by both energy poverty and climate change. Women perform three times as much unpaid care and domestic work as men, with much of this labour tied to energy use: collecting fuel, cooking, and managing household energy needs.

Women are often excluded from energy policy and climate strategy decision-making processes despite their frontline role in managing energy. Yet, they have immense potential to lead in driving solutions to these crises.

 SDG 5: Gender equality — empowering women for climate action

Gender equality is not just a social or moral issue; it’s a critical component of the global response to climate change and energy challenges. In many parts of the world, women endure most of the impact of energy poverty, yet women are often left out of the conversations about how to transform our energy systems. Ensuring that women have equal participation in energy-related decision-making is essential to create effective, equitable solutions.

By incorporating diverse perspectives, especially those of women, into energy policy and climate action, we can craft more inclusive, fair, effective and enduring strategies and solutions. 

Empowered women can drive innovation, advocate for community-centred solutions, and ensure that the voices of those most impacted by energy poverty are heard.

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy for all - a gender issue

Energy access is more than a technical or economic challenge; it is a gender issue, with nearly a billion people worldwide lacking access to essential energy services and women and girls disproportionately affected. 

In many communities, women are burdened with tasks like gathering firewood, a time-consuming activity that limits their educational and economic opportunities while exposing them to health and safety risks. The lack of clean, modern energy stifles economic development and perpetuates gender inequality. 

Expanding access to clean energy can empower women, allowing them to pursue education and entrepreneurial ventures, which drives broader community development. Clean cooking technologies, solar-powered electrification, and decentralised energy systems are critical tools for alleviating the burdens faced by women in energy-poor regions.

SDG 13: Climate action - women as agents of change

Climate change does not affect everyone equally. Women, especially those in vulnerable regions, face more significant risks from environmental disasters and resource scarcity. Integrating gender into climate policies is not only the right thing to do; it enhances the effectiveness of climate action. 

Gender-sensitive policies ensure that the transition to a low-carbon future is environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. Women should not be treated as passive victims but as powerful change agents.

Women’s traditional knowledge, particularly in natural resource management, offers valuable insights into how communities can adapt to climate change. From leading sustainable agriculture initiatives to driving renewable energy projects, women have proven that gender-inclusive approaches can yield positive environmental outcomes.

A call to action: Integrated solutions for a sustainable future

To effectively address the nexus of gender, energy, and climate, we need an integrated approach. Here are three critical steps to drive progress:

1. Gender-responsive policies: governments and organisations must design energy and climate policies that actively address gender disparities. This means ensuring women’s representation in decision-making, providing gender-specific financing for clean energy projects, and promoting gender-sensitive research and data collection.

2. Empowering women in energy: we must create pathways for women to enter and thrive in the energy sector. This includes targeted educational programs, training opportunities, and mentorship networks. By investing in women’s leadership in the energy industry, we can accelerate innovation and ensure clean energy solutions meet the needs of all communities.

3. Community-centric energy solutions: promoting community-led renewable energy projects that address energy access and gender equity is critical. women’s involvement in designing, implementing, and managing these projects leads to more sustainable and inclusive energy systems, fostering economic and social development.

Conclusion: A shared responsibility

The challenges at the intersection of gender, energy, and climate are profound but not insurmountable. By aligning our efforts with the UN SDGs, particularly 5, 7, and 13, we can build a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a driving force for innovation and climate action.

We must amplify women's voices, break down gender barriers, and champion policies that integrate gender considerations into every aspect of our energy and climate strategies. This is our shared responsibility. Together, we can create a sustainable, equitable future that benefits everyone.

The time to act is now. Let’s work together to harness gender equality's power to drive the global energy transition and climate resilience.

illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.