In much of the world, women shoulder a disproportionate share of the energy burden. A new, first-of-its-kind policy brief from the Efficiency for Access Coalition and ENERGIA reveals the benefits of modern energy are not reaching those who need it most.

As decentralized energy solutions and appliances become more widely available, the ability to radically change the quality of life for millions of households increases. Modern, energy-efficient appliances reduce drudgery and increase productivity, enabling people to be more flexible and efficient with their time.

These advantages are most pronounced for women. However, purchasing decisions about which appliances and productive use equipment a household will purchase are often gendered, with women having less of an influence than men. By placing a greater emphasis on appliances in electrification plans and directly addressing gender bias in incentives and programs, policymakers, governments and donors can ensure the advantages of energy access translate into measurable social and economic benefits for all members of a household.

The policy brief was co-authored by ENERGIA and several CLASP staff working under the Efficiency for Access Coalition. The brief offers compelling evidence for why governments should include energy-efficient appliances a part of a holistic approach to achieving universal energy access and underscores the importance of addressing gender bias in incentive and program design. Recommendations for the donor community are also presented.

Read it here.