‘Are we part of the equality?’: Reimagining gender equality of energy transition

Abstract

While gender equality has become a rallying cry in energy transition, it remains contested. At the heart of this contestation is the question: equality of what—available energy resources or the opportunity to use them? Through a qualitative feminist political ecology study of the Zingondi Resettlement, I analyse the intersectional factors shaping energy access. Using the Capabilities Approach, I illustrate how differently situated individuals have differing needs. The study finds that technological shifts alone do not guarantee gender equality, particularly for those unable to use energy technologies in ways they value. For that reason, capability equality must precede gender equality, as without it, apparent progress can mask persistent inequalities. Achieving gender equality in energy transitions requires policies that are capability-based, gender-responsive, and address structural barriers, guided by gender-disaggregated data.