Inclusion of Youth and Women in the Energy Transition

 |Photo Courtesy of Energy Asia Conference|

Why It Matters

The move to clean energy is not only about technology. It is also about fairness and opportunity. When women and young people are left out, communities lose ideas and growth slows down. Reports from Sustainable Energy for All show that women form about thirty nine percent of the global workforce but only twenty two percent of the energy sector and about thirty two percent of the renewable energy workforce. Young people face their own barriers such as limited access to training, jobs and participation in energy policies. When both groups are included, the results are better jobs, more creativity and energy systems that benefit everyone.

The Situation Today

Women remain underrepresented in the energy sector across the world. Studies show that only about six percent of energy ministers are women. Although their presence in renewable energy rose from twenty two percent in 2010 to thirty two percent in 2018, the gap is still large. Young people are also rarely consulted in energy planning. In Norway, students aged fifteen to sixteen shared new ideas on energy transition but were not included in real decisions. In East Africa, the regional organisation EACREEE launched a Gender Youth and Social Inclusion Strategy for the years 2025 to 2030. It recognises that women and youth must be central players in the energy transition. These examples show that inclusion is not a luxury. It is a requirement for success.

The Strengths They Bring

Women and young people are not simply observers. They are active drivers of progress. Women bring experience in managing household energy and understanding community needs. When they take part in designing projects, adoption improves and health outcomes become better. Young people bring energy, fresh ideas and digital skills. A 2024 report by Sustainable Energy for All showed strong youth interest in renewable energy projects across sixteen countries. Including both groups ensures that policies address real life challenges instead of focusing only on money or technology. Their involvement also builds trust and acceptance for new energy solutions in local communities.

The Role of Laws and Policies

Inclusion is not just a good idea. It is a legal obligation. International human rights law calls for equality, fairness and public participation in decision making. These rights extend to climate and energy issues. Laws should guarantee equal participation of women and youth in every part of the energy sector. The EACREEE strategy supports international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Escazu Agreement which promote access to information, participation and justice in environmental matters.

In Nigeria, legal experts agree that equality before the law and legal reform are essential for a fair energy transition. The International Renewable Energy Agency has also set up a framework that supports just and inclusive transitions through good laws, regulations and finance. In Kenya, the Gender Policy in Energy adopted in 2019 ensures that equality is part of national energy laws and institutions. These examples show that the law provides structure, responsibility and accountability. Without legal support, inclusion can remain only a promise.

Challenges That Remain

Despite some progress, there are still serious barriers. Many women and girls have fewer chances to study science and technology. This keeps them out of important jobs in the energy sector. Financing rules often favour big companies and leave out small businesses run by women and youth. There is also a shortage of data on participation, making it hard to measure progress. Women and young people rarely sit on energy boards or policy committees, which limits their influence. Cultural beliefs and social traditions continue to discourage them from taking leading roles. Strong and clear laws can help fix these problems by protecting rights and setting fair rules for all.

Steps That Can Help

To make inclusion real, practical measures supported by law are needed. Governments should expand training and education so that women and young people can take up leadership and technical roles. Laws and policies should require their representation in energy planning and management. Governments and companies should collect and publish data on gender and age to track results. Financial systems must open more space for women and young entrepreneurs to access credit and own property. Laws can also promote community ownership of energy projects and ensure that everyone has fair access to technology. When inclusion is backed by law it becomes sustainable and effective.

Why It Matters for Africa

Africa has a very young population and faces major energy access challenges. Including women and youth in clean energy efforts can help create jobs and reduce inequality. In South Africa, a United Nations programme has said that the benefits of clean energy must reach small farmers, women and youth. In Kenya and nearby countries, research shows that supporting women and young entrepreneurs helps increase the use of clean energy. Regional and national laws that promote fairness and inclusion will strengthen these achievements and protect them for the future.

Finally;

The clean energy transition must place people at the centre. Women and young people are innovators, problem solvers and future leaders. When they are fully included, the move to clean energy becomes faster, fairer and more stable. The evidence is clear that inclusion leads to success. What remains is to turn promises into action through laws that protect participation and guarantee equality. Strong legal frameworks ensure that inclusion is not just good will but a permanent right. The future of energy will depend on how well the world trusts and empowers its women and youth to lead the change.

 Sources

1. Sustainable Energy for All. Renewable Energy and Gender Report 2024.

2. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Renewable Energy: A Gender Perspective 2019.

3. East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE). Gender Youth and Social Inclusion Strategy 2025–2030.

4. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Africa Energy Access and Inclusion Reports 2023.

5. Government of Kenya. Gender Policy in Energy 2019.

6. The Paris Agreement, 2015.

7. Escazu Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters, 2018.

8. Nigerian Energy Transition Plan and Legal Reform Reports, 2022.