Why Energy Access and Gender Equality are Inextricably Linked

The Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7)’s ambitious mandate to ensure access to modern energy for all will only be reached if gender is taken into account. ENERGIA’s Gender and Energy Research programme has found evidence on the differences between women and men in their energy needs, both in the household and in business, and in their level of access to energy. The implication is that policies and programmes that do not recognise and address these needs and differences in acquiring access to energy services are at best ineffective in reaching women and, at worst, can reinforce gender inequalities. This briefing shares the key research findings and offers recommendations for improving women’s access and use of modern energy services.