Gender and Energy Povery Nexus in Mberengwa District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The article argues that there is an intricate relationship existing between gender and energy poverty. Men and women are affected differently by energy poverty especially in rural areas. The article assesses the physical, mental and health burdens exerted on women, men and children by lack of adequate and safe energy services. The study used a case study of a rural community (combining two villages) in Mberengwa District which falls under Zimbabwe's Midlands Province. This study revealed complex gender dimensions of energy poverty in rural communities. The researchers observed that the lack of adequate, clean and safe sources/forms of energy affects women more than it affects men. Women, who constitute a bigger percentage of the rural population, are traditionally expected to make available firewood for domestic use. Since biomass energy, mostly involving firewood, is the most common source of energy for rural households, women find themselves grappling with the challenges associated with accessing and using firewood. Women tend to suffer from physical, mental and health strains due to their over-reliance on firewood. Of particular note in the article is that women are not a homogenous unit. Other available options of energy, which are clean and safe, such as electrical generators, solar, biogas, and electricity are not easy to access due to the costs involved in securing them.