Insights on energy, poverty, and gender nexus in urban ger district households: A case study from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Abstract

The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda calls for integrating gender equality in all aspects of sustainable development. Still, there is limited understanding of how energy, poverty, and gender intersect in urban areas, particularly in Ulaanbaatar's ger districts, one of the world's coldest and most polluted capitals. Ger districts are disadvantaged residential areas consisting of traditional felt tents or self-built houses. This study addresses this knowledge gap using an intersectional gender perspective to explore how energy and air pollution impact residents. The study collected data through interviews with thirty-one ger district residents of various ages, (dis)abilities, health statuses, and observations and analysis of secondary data. The findings show the impact of severe air pollution and inequities on low-income residents, older individuals, and those with disabilities or poor health. The study reveals that energy poverty disproportionately affects women, highlighting the role of gender norms. It calls for more inclusive energy and environmental policies, emphasizing women's involvement in policy design and implementation for greater justice.