Mainstreaming Gender-Responsiveness

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The webinar started by giving an overview of the key terminology, stressing the point that gender-responsiveness means to be aware of differences and to integrate specific actions into the project design to address these differences.

Our first panellist highlighted the need to carry out a detailed gender analysis or assessment at a very early stage of the project design. Such an analysis creates an understanding of the root causes of inequalities and of types and levels of vulnerabilities. Becoming aware of these challenges helps to identify potential effective entry points for gender mainstreaming. Subsequently, a gender action plan needs to be developed, which should include disaggregated data for every project activity and target. The expert recommends developing this plan in close consultation with stakeholders and local partners, who are aware of the local social and cultural norms.

The second presentation focuses on how gender can be mainstreamed into policy, strategies and programmes. The example from Tanzania shows that policy determines if energy access programmes are gender-blind, gender-sensitive or gender-responsive. The experience shared by the speaker illustrates the challenges faced by an NGO in trying to guide the gender work of a national Ministry of Energy. The solution to these challenges was to approach a different ministry: the one responsible for gender integration into policies. The learning here is to understand multiple entry points in an advocacy strategy.

The third example from Nepal focuses on productive uses of energy and highlights the relevance of gender-responsive approaches in women’s economic empowerment through encouraging entrepreneurship development. Business counselling, mentoring and support that continue after the initial training are critical factors for success. Furthermore, creating links with ecosystem stakeholders (e.g., market actors and service providers) ensures the sustainability of women’s businesses.

The general discussion stressed a further point: women are not only beneficiaries. A gender balance in the project staff and stakeholders is important for addressing sensitive issues. It also became clear that political will is key and policy actors at different management levels should be included at different project stages.

Further Materials:

This guideline by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides practical advice for policy and decision makers to introduce and improve the integration of gender issues in renewable energy policies, plans and strategies:

• Gender Integration in Renewable Energy Policy: A Guideline for Renewable Energy Policy and Decision Makers

• Advancing sustainable development and women's empowerment in Asia - Experiences from SWITCH-Asia programme

• Towards Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Energy Utilities: Approaches, Methods, and Results from Nepal