Introduction
Energy poverty is a persistent development challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, where millions still lack access to clean and reliable energy. Women, especially those in rural communities, are disproportionately affected due to their traditional roles in managing household energy needs. This not only impacts their health and safety but also limits their ability to engage meaningfully in education and income-generating activities, thereby constraining their economic participation.
Gendered Impacts of Energy Poverty
In both countries, energy poverty manifests through heavy reliance on biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal. In Nigeria, over 85 million people lack access to electricity, while in Ghana, more than half of the population remains energy poor, with rural women bearing the greatest burden. Daily tasks like cooking and fuel collection expose women to indoor air pollution and take up valuable time, time that could be invested in education, skill acquisition, or entrepreneurship. Women-led businesses, often concentrated in the informal sector, suffer from inconsistent power supply, which hampers productivity and growth. Moreover, prolonged exposure to smoke from traditional fuels leads to chronic health conditions, further reducing women’s ability to work and earn an income.
Structural Barriers to Participation
Women in both Nigeria and Ghana face multiple institutional and cultural barriers to accessing modern energy services. These include limited access to finance, weak policy implementation, male-dominated leadership structures, and persistent gender stereotypes. In Ghana, even though more women are graduating with STEM degrees, a lack of mentorship and job opportunities in energy-related fields continues to hinder their participation. Additionally, traditional gender roles place the burden of household energy management on women, reinforcing time poverty and limiting their prospects in the labour market or business sectors.
Policy Responses and Emerging Opportunities
Both countries have initiated policy reforms aimed at increasing women’s inclusion in the energy space. Nigeria has adopted the ECOWAS policy on gender mainstreaming in energy access, encouraging women’s involvement as entrepreneurs and decision-makers. Initiatives like the Sosai Renewable Energies project demonstrate how clean energy can be a catalyst for women’s economic empowerment by training women to use solar-powered technologies to boost income. Ghana’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) also offers a framework for addressing energy poverty through universal, affordable, and sustainable energy. Opportunities in the emerging green economy and climate finance offer potential pathways for women’s inclusion, provided there is targeted investment in training, access to capital, and supportive legislation.
Conclusion
Tackling energy poverty from a gender-sensitive perspective is essential for achieving inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and Ghana. Empowering women with access to clean and reliable energy enhances their health, frees up time, and creates new avenues for income generation. With intentional policies, investment in capacity-building, and removal of structural barriers, women can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development across both nations.
By Goodluck Chibunna Anosike, Nigeria and Anatu Bikenanten Lambon, Ghana
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goodluck-anosike
