Empowering women for safer energy

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    A woman preparing firewood to cook a meal for her family in Wako Community, Kwali     Area Council, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. Photo: Hadiza Abdulrahman


By Hadiza Abdulrahman 

The International Day for Clean Energy raises awareness and encourages action towards a clean energy transition that benefits all, including women.

The day also highlights the vital role of sustainable energy in transforming lives and promoting a healthier planet. While women can play a crucial role in this transition, they face significant barriers.

The United Nations reports that polluting cooking fuels contribute to 3.2 million premature deaths annually, with clean cooking having the potential to prevent many of these.

Adding that, if current trends continue, by 2030 around 1.8 billion people will still use unsafe, unhealthy and inefficient cooking systems, such as burning wood or dung.

Clean energy solutions, including solar, wind, and renewable alternatives, play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and promoting economic growth.

However, the conversation around clean energy must also address the unique impact it has on women, particularly in developing countries, where access to energy often intersects with gender inequalities.

Household chores

In many rural communities, women bear the burden of household chores that depend heavily on energy availability, such as cooking, heating, and water collection.

Traditional energy sources, like firewood and kerosene, expose women to health risks from indoor air pollution and require extensive time and labor to collect. Clean energy can significantly improve their quality of life by providing safer, more efficient solutions.

For example, solar-powered cooking stoves and renewable lighting systems reduce the need for hazardous fuels, freeing women from time-consuming tasks and allowing them to pursue education, entrepreneurial ventures, and other income-generating activities.

Electrified homes and communities also increase access to digital tools and communication technologies, enhancing opportunities for social and economic participation.


Commitments

During a courtesy visit by the Presidential Committee on Gas Transition in Abuja, Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting clean cooking solutions, emphasizing their importance in reducing energy poverty and empowering women.

At the same time, the UN Women has been instrumental in supporting clean energy initiatives for women in Nigeria, launching a biogas project to provide rural women with affordable, sustainable energy. This initiative is to ensure the widespread adoption of biogas technology across the country’s 774 local government areas, empowering women while promoting environmental sustainability.

https://x.com/unwomenNG/status/1763473184328704136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1763473184328704136%7Ctwgr%5Efc1b1ca36b178adb28f202802a6f8436bebc451a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fradionigeria.gov.ng%2F2025%2F01%2F26%2Fempowering-women-for-safer-energy%2F

by Hadiza Abdulrahman

Providing microloans
  • Financial Support and Microfinancing: Providing microloans and affordable financing schemes enables women to purchase solar panels, clean cookstoves, and other renewable technologies.
  • Training and Capacity Building: Offering technical training equips women with the skills to install, maintain, and sell clean energy products, creating pathways to economic independence.
  • Policy Advocacy: Implementing gender-responsive energy policies that prioritize women’s needs ensures inclusive access to clean energy infrastructure.
  • Community Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about the health, economic, and environmental benefits of clean energy fosters greater adoption and support for sustainable practices.


Collaboration

Collaborative efforts from governments at all levels are crucial to achieving SDG Goal 7 by 2030. Policymakers must prioritize clean energy solutions for women, ensuring access to affordable, sustainable, and clean energy, particularly in rural areas.

By doing so, governments can reduce energy poverty, improve health outcomes, and empower women economically. Scaling initiatives like biogas technologies and clean cooking solutions will be key to driving this change, creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.


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