By presenting the national papers and regional reports included in this volume, ENERGIA is providing specific country-level analyses and policy recommendations on energy and gender. In many developing countries, especially in the poorest areas, most energy currently comes from traditional biomass fuels such as wood, charcoal and agricultural wastes – and collecting and managing these fuels is strictly ‘women’s business’. Lack of recognition of women’s roles in the energy sector therefore leads to ‘gender-blind’ energy policies that fail to address some of the most pressing factors affecting countries’ hopes for economic development. One of the most important ways of reducing poverty and promoting national development is by involving women in productive economic activity rather than wasting so much of their time and effort securing basic fuels for survival.

Where Energy is Women’s Business

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