The discourse surrounding sustainable energy has predominantly revolved around technological advancements and policy changes. Yet, a central component of the conversation is often sidelined: the role of women, especially from the Global South. As the energy landscape undergoes a massive shift, women from these regions emerge not merely as beneficiaries but as pivotal actors.

The Global South, a term representing countries from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania, is an area characterized by rapid economic growth, but also by stark disparities, particularly in energy access. Women here share an intricate bond with energy, primarily because of their roles in households and communities. Women’s interactions with energy in these regions aren’t just about switching on a light or using an electric stove. It’s about long hours spent gathering firewood, exposure to harmful smoke from traditional cookstoves, and the challenges of managing household chores without consistent electricity.

Traditional energy sources, primarily biomass such as wood and animal dung, pose significant health risks. Women, often responsible for cooking, are exposed to indoor air pollution, which can lead to respiratory diseases and other health complications.

The World Health Organization estimates that millions of deaths annually can be linked to complications arising from indoor air pollution. Moreover, the time-consuming task of collecting firewood or other traditional fuels detracts from opportunities to engage in education, employment, or leisure. Thus, the energy challenge for women in the Global South isn’t just about access but about quality of life.

Yet, in the heart of these challenges lie incredible opportunities. Women, with their innate understanding of community needs and energy usage patterns, can drive the transition to renewable energy.

• Across parts of Africa and Asia, women-led community solar projects are making a difference. Not only are these initiatives providing electricity to villages, but they’re also offering employment to women as solar technicians and entrepreneurs.
• In many agrarian communities, women are leading the shift to biogas, a renewable source produced from organic waste. This not only offers a cleaner cooking solution but also aids in waste management.
• Women are also taking the reins in advocacy. They’re championing the cause for inclusive energy policies that consider gender disparities and working towards ensuring that women have a seat at the decision-making table.

However, this journey isn’t devoid of obstacles. Socio-cultural norms, limited access to finance, lack of formal education, and a predominantly male-dominated energy sector are hurdles women often confront. But as history has shown, women in the Global South are resilient. With the right support systems, training, and opportunities, they can and will overcome these barriers.

The energy transition in the Global South has repercussions that resonate globally. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, achieving a sustainable energy future is paramount. Women in the Global South, with their deep-rooted community ties and unique energy challenges, can offer invaluable insights and solutions. Moreover, the ripple effect of women’s empowerment in the energy sector is vast. It’s not just about energy access but about improved health, economic growth, reduced gender disparities, and the creation of more resilient communities.

One of the transformative mechanisms that has enabled women to lead in the energy sector is microfinance. By granting small loans and credits, many women have been able to establish energy-based businesses, whether it’s selling solar lanterns, setting up community charging stations, or distributing cleaner cookstoves.

In Bangladesh, for instance, the Grameen Shakti organization has empowered thousands of women to become entrepreneurs, selling solar home systems. These women not only earn a livelihood but also propagate the use of clean energy in their communities.

However, finance alone isn’t enough. Women require proper training and education. There’s a need for initiatives that offer technical training, business management skills, and awareness campaigns about the benefits of renewable energy. Through targeted programs, many non-profits and international organizations are working towards this. They’re not only making women literate about renewable energy technologies but also training them to install, maintain, and repair these systems.

The energy transition requires a collaborative approach. Partnerships between governments, private sectors, NGOs, and communities can accelerate the pace at which women in the Global South can make a difference. Incentives for women-led energy businesses, gender-specific policies in energy access programs, and gender-responsive budgeting can amplify the impact women can have in the energy sector.

The women of the Global South stand at a unique intersection of change. As the world recognizes the urgency of the energy transition, these women are poised to become its most influential change agents. But to truly harness this potential, there’s a need for continuous global support. Investment, both in terms of finance and knowledge, is crucial. By integrating women’s perspectives, insights, and leadership into the broader energy dialogue, the transition to sustainable energy can be more inclusive, equitable, and effective. In the end, the energy transition isn’t just about new technologies or policies. It’s about people, communities, and, most importantly, about the women who are leading the charge towards a brighter, more sustainable future.