Gender inclusivity towards a just energy transition in South Africa

Abstract

To avoid the escalating impacts of climate change, governments have increasingly committed to a net zero decarbonisation trajectory by 2050. As a country which is the largest carbon emitter in Africa due to its high fossil fuel dependence, South Africa committed to a just energy transition at the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) in 2021. This commitment was conditional on pledges being honoured by international partners to support South Africa in capacity building, technology and finance. Premised on the intention for the energy transition to be just and inclusive, this study investigated how gender inclusivity could be advanced. Based on the theoretical framework of energy justice theory, this study used the lens of the adapted engendered energy justice conceptual framework to inform its qualitative study of South Africa’s just energy transition to clean energy. The qualitative study interviewed a selected sample of 11 key informant interviewees (KII) and examined the barriers to gender inclusion. The findings confirm that the Just energy transition is underway and has accelerated recently. While it potentially may offer more opportunities for women, there is a need to introduce gender mainstreaming and the integration of broader energy justice principles into the transition. The development of a long-term energy vision and strategy is recommended. Finally, the study proposes that the energy strategy and gender mainstreaming should be part of a national dialogue