Advancing Gender in the Environment (AGENT) Energy Brief Series

This brief provides an overview of the gender dimensions of planning and building large-scale renewable energy infrastructure, such as hydropower and geothermal plants, solar arrays and wind parks generating 10 MW or more.

Research at the intersection of gender, energy and economic development reveals the benefits of integrating gender considerations into the energy value chain and throughout the power sector. Developing a sector that ignores the unique needs of women and men can have both differential and unintended impacts. When barriers that prevent women from having equal access to resources, including energy and economic opportunities, are removed, development and economic gains are strengthened.

While the practices and lessons highlighted can be applied to energy infrastructure projects in general, this brief focuses on renewable energy infrastructure projects in line with current investment trends. It presents the impacts that large-scale renewable energy infrastructure development can have on communities, women and men and introduces entry points for advancing gender equality. The brief outlines potential gender entry points, such as impact assessment and compensation plans and closes with a list of recommendations with links to resources for stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners and private sector decision makers.

Advancing Gender in the Environment (AGENT) Thematic Energy Brief Series

The series of briefs will showcase advancements towards the achievement of gender equality in the energy sector and identifies areas for further development and exploration. This series has been developed with the guidance and support of a network of energy experts hosted by AGENT. AGENT is a ten-year program launched by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2014 and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The purpose of the partnership is to increase the effectiveness of USAID’s environment programing through robust gender integration and improve gender equality and women’s empowerment outcomes in a broad range of environmental sectors. Recognizing women as agents of change, and the value of diverse knowledge, experiences and capacities of women and men alike, AGENT envisions a world that approaches environmental work at all levels with gender-responsive policy and action. AGENT drives transformation toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Additional Briefs in this series:

• Making the Case for Women in the Energy Sector

For More Information

• USAID Energy: EmPOWERing Women and Girls
• Advancing Gender in the Environment (AGENT)