The Role of Appliances in Achieving Gender Equality and Energy Access for All
This policy brief advocates for the inclusion of energy-efficient appliances a part of a holistic approach to achieving universal energy access and gender equality.
Energy-efficient, off-grid appliances are essential to ensuring the advantages of electricity translate into measurable social and economic benefits for the millions of households without access to modern energy. Evidence from the Efficiency for Access Coalition and ENERGIA finds the benefits of modern energy are not reaching those who need it most. Decisions about the appliances households purchase are often gendered, with women having less of an influence than men.
This policy brief offers compelling evidence for why governments should include energy-efficient appliances a part of a holistic approach to achieving universal energy access and underscores the importance of addressing gender bias in incentive and program design. Recommendations for the donor community are also presented.