Gender at the Heart of the EU Energy Transition: Key learnings from the French case

This policy brief “Gender at the Heart of the EU Energy Transition” identifies the energy transition’s potential to strengthen gender equality. The publication exposes the gendered nature of our relationships to energy and the link between the fossil-based energy systems and gender inequalities. The energy transition has the potential to tackle these inequalities. But to effectively counter these traditional dynamics, intentional policy is required. 

About

The policy brief “Gender at the Heart of the EU Energy Transition” identifies the energy transition’s potential for gender equality. The publication exposes the gendered nature of our relationships to energy and the link between the fossil-based energy systems and gender inequalities. It examines gender-based disparities within the three key roles that define our relationships with energy: as consumer, producer, and governance actor. 

The energy transition has the potential to tackle these inequalities. But to effectively counter these traditional dynamics, intentional policy is required. Using examples from France, the brief showcases that, while gender has entered the energy transition policy discourse here and there, more needs to be done to avoid repeating inequalities of the past. We argue that gender mainstreaming and active participation of all genders across demand, supply and decision-making spaces within the transition are critical and that EU policymakers must – and can – lead the way. 

This policy brief aims to spark political debates on the underexposed relationship between gender and energy. It is the output of discussions of a Green European Foundation Knowledge Community on Energy and Gender Equality, led by Barbara Nicoloso (Director of Virage Énergie, France) and made up of researchers, experts, activists, and elected representatives working to reduce gender inequalities while making our societies more sustainable. The brief uses examples from the French context, collected from literature and interviews with experts conducted by the author, to ultimately inspire changes to EU and national-level policymaking to better deliver a just, fair transition that consciously works to eliminate gender inequalities.   

Authors

• Barbara Nicoloso, Director of the French NGO Virage Énergie,
• Taube van Melkebeke, Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

Published by the Green European Foundation with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament.