Globally, 789 million people live without access to electricity and 2.8 billion lack access to clean cooking. Women are disproportionately impacted by the lack of energy access, not only due to their different energy purposes and needs, but also because of stereotypes, and gender roles and traditions. Gender inequalities are evident across societies and in many different areas, whether cultural, economic, political or social. These norms are frequently institutionalized, resulting in lower access to education and healthcare, less job opportunities and limited ownership of land and property. This is even more so for women in rural areas. The energy sector is no exception to these inequalities, while at the same time energy access is critical in the struggle for gender equality, enabling increased access to health care, education and economic opportunities as well as a reduction of gender based violence. 

Our call to action for gender inclusion and equality in the energy sector is valid at multiple levels and across institutions and stakeholders. We work with women entrepreneurs, partner organizations and gender and energy experts at the national, international and global level to bring about systemic change. Watch these compelling video messages from a variety of women we work with, each making a case for the inclusion of gender in the energy conversation.