Energy & Gender Research

Energy & Gender

The intersection of gender and the transition to net zero is a vital but often overlooked dimension of climate action. Gender equality and climate justice are deeply connected, and addressing gender disparities can significantly strengthen efforts to achieve a fair and effective net-zero transition.

A gender-just net-zero transition is not only fairer but also more effective. By actively involving women and addressing gender inequalities, climate solutions can be more innovative, democratic, and sustainable. The transition to net zero must be inclusive by design, not by afterthought

Policy & Practice: What Can Be Done?

For Governments & Institutions

Gender mainstreaming in all climate and energy policies.
Invest in skills training and education for women in STEM and green industries.
Ensure gender budgeting in net-zero and energy transition projects.

For Businesses & Energy Sector

For Governments & Institutions

Create inclusive hiring practices and leadership pipelines.
Incorporate gender impact assessments into sustainability planning.

For Civil Society & Activists

For Governments & Institutions

For Civil Society & Activists

Promote grassroots women’s leadership in climate advocacy.
Support women-led renewable energy projects and cooperatives.

Why Gender Matters in the Net Zero Transition

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Women, particularly in the Global South and low-income communities, often face greater risks from climate change due to limited access to resources, decision-making, and mobility.
Gender roles often place women in positions (e.g., agriculture, caregiving, informal work) that are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation

Energy Poverty and Access

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Women are more likely to live in energy-poor households. Access to clean and affordable energy improves women's health, education, and economic opportunities.
Transitioning from traditional fuels (e.g., biomass) to clean energy reduces time poverty for women, who often spend hours collecting firewood or cooking over polluting stoves.

Just Transition Principles

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Participation and Leadership

A just transition means ensuring that policies to reduce emissions also reduce inequalities.
This includes ensuring that women have access to green jobs, training, finance, and leadership opportunities

Participation and Leadership

Green Jobs and the Gender Gap

Participation and Leadership

Women are underrepresented in decision-making in the energy sector and climate policy:
Only ~32% of renewable energy jobs globally are held by women (IRENA).
Female perspectives are crucial in designing equitable and inclusive policies.
Empowering women in leadership positions leads to more effective climate action

Green Jobs and the Gender Gap

Net-zero policies will reshape labour markets. But without proactive measures, women could be left out of new opportunities in sectors like renewables, construction, and green tech.
Gender-sensitive job creation and training are essential to prevent the reinforcement of existing inequalities.

Energy & Gender

Policy & Practice: What Can Be Done?

For Governments & Institutions

For Governments & Institutions

For Governments & Institutions

For Businesses & Energy Sector

For Governments & Institutions

For Governments & Institutions

For Civil Society & Activists

For Governments & Institutions

For Civil Society & Activists

Why Gender Matters in the Net Zero Transition

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Energy Poverty and Access

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Just Transition Principles

Unequal Impacts of Climate Change

Participation and Leadership

Participation and Leadership

Green Jobs and the Gender Gap

Participation and Leadership

Green Jobs and the Gender Gap

Green Jobs and the Gender Gap

Green Jobs and the Gender Gap

Podcast - "HerClimateVoice"

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