Just energy transition? 'Put women's equality front and center'

In the Global South, many people lack access to energy, with women being disproportionately affected. Therefore, feminism is essential for a just energy transition, says Mai Taqueban, director of the Philippine Legal Rights and Natural Resource Center.

In many countries in the Global South, women handle daily housework and cooking. "Many women in the Philippines, for example, rely on wood to make a fire for cooking," says Mai Taqueban. "You can imagine how much more work it is to gather wood for a meal compared to simply turning on a stove. This is in addition to other tasks women perform, such as growing food. Moreover, everything must be completed before nightfall, as the lack of light makes it difficult to see. Access to energy significantly impacts how people live their lives."

Education is often called "the great equalizer." Unfortunately, this is not the case, explains Taqueban. "For starters, girls are less likely to have access to education than boys. Additionally, a child's ability to learn depends on their access to electricity. If it's dark at night and you can't turn on a light, you simply can't do homework." Women, in particular, feel the effects of energy poverty acutely, as they are typically responsible for managing the household.

The unequal position of women 

Feminism is the pursuit of equal rights for everyone. It is a struggle for equality and against skewed power dynamics and oppression. Worldwide, gender discrimination intersects with other forms of exclusion and oppression, such as those based on economic class, origin, and religion. Therefore, it is important to consider not only gender differences but also how they relate to these other factors.

This is also crucial for the energy transition, says Taqueban. By addressing the unequal position of women, we can shape the energy transition in a way that ensures women are not disadvantaged.

Energy as a right 

In the Philippines, the energy market has been privatized, Taqueban explains. "This means you can only access energy if you can afford it. At LRC, we believe energy should be a public utility and a fundamental right, ensuring that everyone can use it and benefit from it."

To persuade the government of this, LRC has initiated several pilot projects across the Philippines. One such project is a solar energy initiative in South Cotabato. In this community, indigenous people who previously had no access to energy are now generating their own electricity with solar panels.

Due to their limited energy generation capacity, the community faces tough decisions, explains Taqueban. "For instance, prioritizing power for education and street lighting over leisure activities like spending hours on social media."

In managing energy use, women play a crucial role, she elaborates. "They understand the community's energy needs and when children need to study. Women's knowledge, often perceived as insignificant, is actually invaluable. They possess the exact information required for effective energy planning, ensuring equitable access for all."

"The energy transition isn't solely about increasing energy production," Taqueban emphasizes. "It also involves reconsidering how we use energy, aiming for more sustainable practices that support all lives."