This white paper considers the most recent work on the intersection of gender and energy. The findings identify and address knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and provide recommendations for actions and further research to implement gender responsive clean energy and climate change mitigation initiatives.

This white paper was commissioned by USAID under the USAID/IUCN Gender Equality for Climate Change Opportunities (GECCO) initiative. Developed through a literature review and individual consultations with experts and validated through an experts’ workshop, this white paper considers the most recent work on the intersection of gender and energy.

There is currently a knowledge gap at the intersection of clean energy, climate change mitigation, and gender equality that is an impediment to reaching development and economic goals, including mitigating climate change and fostering the advancement of women. This knowledge gap is particularly acute when looking at the energy value chain connected to large-scale or utility-scale renewable energy production (defined as 10 megawatts or more) and for national Low Emissions Development Strategies, Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions, and other energy-related national mitigation processes. This paper identifies initial strategies for closing those gaps, while acknowledging and building on existing research and experience on gender issues around energy at the household and micro to medium-scales.

This paper intends to demonstrate that gender equality can be a driver for more effective clean energy investments, and that this gender lens can be applied at every level of the energy value chain. The findings identify and address knowledge gaps, raise awareness, and provide recommendations for actions and further research to implement gender-responsive clean energy and climate change mitigation initiatives. With a wide range of intended audiences, these findings can assist policy makers and project implementers at the local, regional, national, and international levels. USAID and IUCN are also working to develop a community of experts and institutions to advance gender-responsive renewable energy initiatives and women’s advancement in the energy field.