The extraordinary lack of energy in Africa–affecting about 300 million women-has profound effects on women’s economic opportunities. Women are already disproportionately affected by energy poverty, especially in rural areas. On average, women and girls spend 50 hours a week just fetching firewood, cooking, and collecting water. That’s 50 hours spent on subsistence, not on growing a business, pursuing education, or improving their health. In fact, 900 million African women and girls who lack access to clean cooking technology suffer from smoke inhalation-related diseases. That’s a huge barrier to their health, education, and economic potential.
Now, imagine a world where women have access to reliable electricity, clean cooking, and safe water. Not only would their quality of life improve, but their economic opportunities would expand. Women in rural areas are more likely to become wage-earners when they have access to electricity. They can run businesses, engage in entrepreneurial ventures, and contribute to their economies in ways that were previously impossible. More women would own or lead small and medium sized enterprises (SME), creating jobs and stimulating growth in their countries.
We can't ignore the fact that energy access is also directly tied to gender-based violence (GBV). About 44% of African women have experienced GBV, and the lack of energy only exacerbates this issue. Power outages, for example, contribute to the insecurity and vulnerability that many women face. The lack of energy also impedes women’s access to financial services, limiting their ability to support and empower themselves, and grow their businesses. Simply put, energy access is an essential tool in the fight for women’s rights and economic empowerment.
This is where the of the World Bank Group (WBG)’s three institutions IBRD, IFC, and MIGA, come in. Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030 through both grid connections and renewable energy solutions. We will make huge strides with projects such as the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT), Acumen’s Hardest to Reach Initiative, and Release by Scatec, which will bring power to 250 million people. The African Development Bank is also joining the effort, helping another 50 million people gain access to energy.
It’s clear that 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 own health and safety skyrockets. It creates a ripple effect that benefits entire communities. Clean energy access is tied to everything from improved health and education to better wages and less GBV.
But the key is ensuring that energy solutions are affordable, accessible, and meet the specific needs of women. This is where governments, organizations, and businesses need to step up. We need to prioritize women’s needs in the energy sector from clean cooking, to water access, to safety. It’s time to unlock the full economic potential of women by giving them the tools they need to succeed.
If we want to unleash Africa's full potential, we can’t afford to leave women behind. So, let’s move from the dream to reality and keep pushing to connect more people with affordable, sustainable energy and clean cooking. As energy access expands, the future is bright, especially for women.
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