Gender and Youth

The EELA Program sees the importance on including gender and youth by promoting inclusive economic growth and enhancing access to sustainable energy solutions for women, men, girls, and boys.

Gender:

The EELA Program acknowledges challenges faced by women in energy access and employment. It integrates gender equality throughout its design and implementation:

  • Women, especially in rural and agricultural sectors, often operate small-scale businesses that depend on inefficient energy sources. EELA supports access to affordable, high-performing energy-efficient equipment (e.g. cooling and agro-processing technologies) which can significantly improve productivity, income, and work conditions.
  • Through regional and national frameworks, EELA encourages the integration of gender perspectives into energy policy development, ensuring women’s needs and voices are represented.
  • The Country Windows (Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe) aim to create supporting environments for female entrepreneurs through capacity building, access to finance, and participation in public-private partnerships.

Youth:

EELA invests in young people by building the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the industrial sector:

  • Through capacity building and skills development, EELA promotes digitalization and the use of technology to train youth in energy management systems, clean technologies, and business development. This positions them for careers in energy efficiency, a fast-growing sector.
  • Youth can benefit from training support through the Industry Clean-Tech Platform (ICTP), which act as hubs for innovation and learning. They provide exposure to real-life energy efficiency solutions, helping youth-led enterprises grow.
  • By creating local value chains and easing access to finance, EELA supports young entrepreneurs.
  • The transition toward energy-efficient industrial processes and sustainable technologies under EELA helps generate green and future-proof jobs - many of which are targeted toward young people entering the workforce.

EELA’s gender and youth are mainstreamed across all levels of program activities ensuring inclusive benefits from and contribute to Africa’s transition to sustainable livelihoods through energy efficiency.

 

 

 

Benefits of Including Youth and Women

Incorporating women and youth into energy efficiency programs is not only a matter of equity, it is a strategic approach to unlocking social, economic, and environmental benefits. Their inclusion enhances the effectiveness, sustainability, and reach of Programs like EELA.

  • Women and youth represent untapped economic potential. When equipped with access to EE technologies and relevant skills, they can launch or expand businesses, increase productivity, and improve household incomes.
  • Inclusion broadens the base of beneficiaries and contributors to sustainable economy, supporting job creation and reducing poverty.
  • Young people bring fresh ideas and digital understanding, making them important drivers of innovation in energy technologies and business models.
  • Women and youth can offer unique insights into product design and user behaviour helping shape more effective and responsive solutions.
  • Programs that intentionally include women and youth often experience higher rates of technology uptake. These groups can act as advocates for energy efficiency in both urban and rural contexts.
  • Ensuring that women and youth participation help bridge gender and generational gaps, contributing to a fairer society.
  • It enables more equitable access to resources, decision-making power, and benefits.
  • Empowered women and youth are more likely to invest in health, education, and sustainable practices, creating long-term positive impacts.

The EELA Program’s commitment to their inclusion not only advances gender and youth empowerment but also significantly enhances its development impact across Africa.