Blueprint Guide for Creating Gender-Sensitive Energy Policies

A policy that considers gender roles, differences and preferences driven by socio-cultural norms, can help to maximize the impact of energy projects, programs, and initiatives. Gender responsive regional and national energy policies and strategies can be a lever for addressing gender inequalities across the energy value chain, with collateral impacts on environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, and economic growth. Moreover, the equal participation of women and men is imperative for achieving universal energy access and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Policy and regulatory instruments can be a way to help close gender gaps in the energy sector; create awareness and understanding of the role of women in the workforce; send a strong signal to developers and investors, creating the tone and space for bottom up change; and encourage information exchange, education and communication about gender informed approaches. This guide presents the critical components for developing a policy on gender mainstreaming for energy access, including different considerations around design, development, implementation procedures, critical success factors, challenges, and integrated strategies.