Overview of energy and gender
Accessing clean and affordable energy is crucial for development. However, there are notable differences in priorities between men and women regarding energy services. Women often bear the brunt of traditional biomass fuels, such as indoor air pollution, due to their responsibility for cooking and spending more time in the kitchen. Regrettably, women remain underrepresented in the energy sector, primarily due to limited access to education and training opportunities. Encouraging women’s participation, particularly in leadership and decision-making positions within the energy sector, can foster inclusive economic growth and improve its overall performance and sustainability.
Recognizing the significance of gender equality in the energy sector, the Government of Rwanda has taken steps to address gender gaps. The National Energy Policy (2015) commits to mainstreaming gender throughout the energy project cycle. Initiatives like WIRE (Women in Rwanda Energy) and scholarships for young women pursuing STEM courses aim to equip them with the necessary skills for technical roles. Additionally, the “Power Her” platform promotes women’s professional development and enhances their access to opportunities, fostering a more diverse and inclusive energy landscape in Rwanda.
Despite these efforts, there is still work to be done to bridge gender gaps in energy access within Rwanda. An assessment conducted by the Power Africa East Africa Energy Programme revealed positive initiatives underway to increase women’s participation in the sector, including the ambitious goal of recruiting 1,400 women through the WIRE platform by 2025. While political will to promote gender equality exists, the energy sector in Rwanda remains predominantly male-dominated, with only 5% female representation in the workforce in 2020. Furthermore, the assessment highlighted significant disparities in the time spent by men and women on fuel gathering, both in rural and urban areas.
Nevertheless, Rwanda has made commitments through various policies and strategies to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of women in the energy sector. These include addressing energy concerns from a gender-sensitive perspective, reducing the time women spend collecting firewood, and promoting alternative energy sources. While progress has been made, further steps are needed to achieve true gender equality.
Practical Action is actively involved in empowering women refugees in Rwanda through initiatives in renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods. With this experience in supporting energy projects in refugee camps, Practical Action helps women establish small businesses that generate income and improve their livelihoods. Through the RE4R project, women gain access to training and loans to expand their operations, leading to increased income, employment opportunities, and improved safety through solar home systems and streetlights.
Additionally, the establishment of Gender Working Groups (GWGs) in refugee camps ensures the consideration and fulfilment of the needs of all refugees, with a focus on women and girls. These groups foster community ownership, address gender-based issues, promote equality, and build a more inclusive community.
In conclusion, Rwanda’s multi-faceted strategy encompasses policy initiatives, mentorship programmes, and professional development opportunities, especially for women, to promote gender equality in the energy sector. Practical Action Rwanda contributes towards this effort by enabling opportunities and empowerment through energy and ensuring women’s needs and priorities are central to programmes and policies.