Decolonizing Power: Integrating Gender Justice in Sustainable Energy Frameworks in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa ranks high on the list of regions with the highest levels
of gender inequality, performing poorly in gender balance in crucial indices,
including educational attainment, healthcare, political empowerment, and
economic participation. This level of gender inequality is also evident in the
region’s energy governance, such that women across the continent are
disproportionately represented in careers and leadership positions in the
energy sectors of their respective countries, less knowledgeable and involved
in household, community, and national energy decisions, and
disproportionately burdened by energy-related domestic chores.
Consequently, women lack equitable access to energy resources, have little
or no influence over energy policies, and their needs are not considered in
crucial decisions related to energy access, affordability, and sustainability.
This article explores the causes, effects, and potential ways of reducing these
gender disparities. This is achieved by exploring the power structures
responsible for the disparities from the perspective of various feminist
theories, including the feminist theory, the matrix of domination framework,
and the black feminist thought theory, and frameworks. Policy changes to
address the pervasive gender disparities in the energy sector are proposed
and potential problems that may arise in efforts to mainstream gender in
energy policies highlighted.