Energy poverty significantly impacts approximately 300 million African women, particularly in rural regions where they disproportionately bear the burden of energy scarcity. On average, women and girls spend 50 hours a week just fetching firewood, cooking, and collecting water. In fact, 900 million African women and girls who lack access to clean cooking technology suffer from smoke inhalation-related diseases.
Now, imagine a world where women can access reliable electricity, clean cooking, and safe water. Women in rural areas are more likely to become wage earners when they can access electricity. More women would own or lead small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating jobs and stimulating growth in their countries. Energy access is a game changer for women. When women have reliable access to energy, their ability to educate their children, run businesses, and improve their health and safety skyrockets. Clean energy access is tied to improved health and education, better wages, and less gender-based violence (GBV.)
Energy solutions must be affordable, accessible, and meet the specific needs of women, to unlock the full economic potential of women in Africa.
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Unleashing opportunities for women in Africa with access to energy
Nathalie Kouassi Akon
