Gender, Energy and Policy: A Review of Energy Policies in East and Southern Africa

Gender equality and women’s empowerment (Goal 5) and women’s and men’s equal access to secure energy services (Goal 7) are central to building more environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient societies (Goals 13 and 15). Renewable, clean energy and gender equality are preconditions for sustainable development and for tackling climate change. This review of 15 energy policies in East and Southern Africa shows that over half (60 percent) have integrated gender. This brief follows up on the recommendation made by the working paper by conducting an initial review of gender integration in energy policies in East and Southern Africa. To this end, it reports on the results of an analysis of national energy policies and strategies in the region.