Mainstreaming Gender in Nigeria's Energy Policies

Abstract

Energy is central to development and rightfully women are key to economic development of a nation based on the triple role women embrace daily. About 70% of African women are without access to energy, resulting in a staggering number of annual deaths, with about 98,000 Nigerian women dying from indoor and outdoor pollution. The inclusion of women in the energy sector is therefore vital for poverty alleviation; addition to the energy value chain. This study sought to find out the challenges of mainstreaming gender in Nigeria’s energy policy and equally proposes a conceptual model to overcome these challenges with the appropriate government agencies and organisations playing pivotal roles. This study made use of qualitative approach for data collection via primary and secondary sources. Therefore, using snowball sampling method of qualitative analysis, this researcher explored in detail gender mainstreaming in Nigeria’s energy policy as well documentary analysis method for relevant policies. Based on interviews conducted, primary factors affecting gender mainstreaming include lack of political will, lack of policy implementation, dearth of sex/genderdisaggregated data, lack of sustainability of programmes by government, budgetary constraints, poor feedback mechanism, non-involvement of women in the decision-making process, social and cultural stereotype in terms of specific jobs for women as well as the need for inclusion of gender in the planning process of policies. Amongst other recommendations given by the research, the need to have women included in the decision-making process of policymaking to meet gender needs is vital. Therefore, with the conceptual model applied, an effective feedback mechanism from NGOs, CSOs and Academia can help policymakers critically address gender issues. A strong political will paves the way for appropriate budget allocation, involvement of women in decision making resulting in more gender responsive policies. An enabling environment with the right structures for the Gender Management System can be the spring ball the energy sector requires to attain gender equality and overall accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 7