Coming off the back of International Women’s Day, access to electricity is something many of us take for granted. But for millions of women around the world, energy poverty is a daily struggle that affects their health, safety, and opportunities.
Without reliable power, basic tasks like cooking, studying, or running a business become incredibly difficult, keeping many women trapped in cycles of poverty. In this blog, I will speak on what issues mostly affect the global south.
Let me explain. When there’s no electricity, everyday activities take longer and become more dangerous. In many rural communities, women and girls spend hours collecting firewood or walking long distances to charge a phone. This not only exposes them to safety risks but also limits their time for education and income-generating work.
With reliable energy, the story changes. Women can:
Start and grow businesses – Access to electricity allows women to run small shops, tailor businesses, or even charge mobile phones for extra income.
Get better healthcare – Hospitals and clinics with electricity can store vaccines, provide safe childbirth conditions, and offer emergency care.
Pursue education – Girls can study after dark, improving literacy rates and future job prospects.
Solar power is playing a huge role in bridging the energy gap. Off-grid solar solutions are bringing affordable, clean electricity to communities without relying on expensive infrastructure. Investing in renewables isn’t just good for the planet—it’s essential for gender equality.
Empowering women through energy access isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking their potential. When women have power—literally and figuratively—entire communities thrive.
Clancy, J., Winther, T., Matinga, M., & Oparaocha, S. (2021). Gender equity in access to and benefits from modern energy and improved technologies: World Development Report. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105561.
ESI Africa. (2025). Energy poverty: How lack of electricity holds women back. Available at: https://www.esi-africa.com [Accessed 13 Mar. 2025].
Google. (2025). Gemini (Imagen 3) [AI image generator]. https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/imagen
International Energy Agency (IEA). (2023). Renewable energy and energy access: Bridging the gap. Available at: https://www.iea.org.
