Powering Inclusion: Tested Approaches for a Gender-Inclusive Energy Transition
The evidence is growing that businesses do better when they adopt Gender Equality, Disability & Social Inclusion (GEDSI)-inclusive practices, yet many companies still face a gap between intention and implementation, between stating gender as a priority and seeing measurable results on the ground. This report aims to bridge that gap.
It builds on the learnings from the implementation of technical assistance by Value for Women with three Transforming Energy Access (TEA) partners - POPO, Natfort Energy, and the TEA@SUNRISE research network, and provides practical pathways for energy access companies and stakeholders to take decisive action to drive gender equality in their operations.
It showcases three key areas of opportunities with clear and actionable paths to enhance opportunities and outcomes for women while aligning with business’ objectives:
- Market-focused strategies for reaching and serving new and existing women customers
- Building diverse and inclusive workplaces and workforces
- Building internal capacity and establishing accountability for GEDSI measurement and learning
The report presents these strategies, outlining the actions taken and the results observed by TEA partners. It highlights emerging impacts and concludes with lessons and actionable recommendations for similar initiatives.
The report is intended for clean energy companies, researchers, practitioners, funders, and investors operating in emerging markets who are seeking practical approaches to integrate inclusion into their work.
This project was funded with UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access Platform (TEA).
Disclaimer:
This material has been funded by UK aid from the UK government; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
Dr. Silvia Emili oversees, manages and delivers a global portfolio of innovative gender and business projects, ensuring they meet the highest standards. Her zone of expertise is at the intersection of renewable energy and energy access, gender and social inclusion, advising businesses and organizations in this space.
Alida Taghiyeva is an Engagement Manager at Value for Women. She brings extensive experience in research, advisory, and capacity-building, with a focus on advancing women’s entrepreneurship and financial and digital inclusion. She has led regional and country-level programs for UN ESCAP, FAO, and ITU, among others, driving inclusive economic development across Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.
Jennifer is a Project Lead at Value for Women and brings over six years of experience in international development. Her expertise lies in spearheading initiatives focused on women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and digital literacy across diverse regions including Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Jana is a lawyer who brings over a decade of experience spanning law and inclusive financial sector development and innovation to her work at Value for Women. She has worked extensively in emerging markets across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa, providing technical assistance to a diverse range of public and private sector stakeholders including central banks and fintechs.
Asya oversees Value for Women’s global portfolio of projects, providing technical leadership and oversight of advisory engagements and deliverables. She also leads the growth of gender-inclusive investment and business practice through advisory, long-term initiatives, strategic partnerships and the design of new products and services.
She brings over 15 years of global experience, including work on agriculture investments as part of Root Capital's strategy and impact team, and evaluations for Innovations for Poverty Action, where she collaborated with Mexico’s Ministry of Social and Economic Development and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
