Women Entrepreneurs as Key Drivers in the Decentralised Renewable Energy Sector: Best Practices and Innovative Business Models

Affordable, reliable and sustainable energy (SDG-7) and gender equality (SDG-5) are key drivers for development and economic growth. While SDG-7 is necessary to power productive activities and enable socio-economic development, SDG-5 further catalyses progress, as women are more likely to reinvest their earnings in productive activities and vital services within their communities.

To achieve universal access by 2030, new energy access policies, business models and investments must maximise the socio-economic benefits that electricity brings, while making sure that no one is left behind.

At the intersection of gender equality, clean and affordable energy access and sustainable economic development, the connection between SDG-7 and SDG-5 offers an untapped array of innovative solutions and a pool of talents that gender blind approaches to energy access are likely to miss.

By showcasing 17 case studies from ARE Members, as well as providing core recommendations for DRE companies, CSOs, private investors and international funding partners building on those, this publication aims to:

• Highlight the essential role that women play in energy access and sustainable socio-economic development in rural communities;
• Serve as inspiration for innovative gender-sensitive approaches to consolidate gender equality at each level of the DRE supply chain.

The publication was published by ARE with the support of GET.invest.