Gender Issues in Energy Policy & Planning: Perspectives from the Dakar Workshop

Citation:

Wakhungu, Judi Wangalwa. 1996. “Gender Issues in Energy Policy & Planning: Perspectives from the Dakar Workshop.” Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society 16 (3): 98–106.

Author: Judi Wangalwa Wakhungu

Annotation:

Summary:
“The international experts working in the field of energy had the following objectives in meeting in Dakar: to corroborate their views on gender issues in energy policy analyses; provide a strategic assessment of research issues and gaps; advance research on women and global energy policy as a new area for policy analysis; and to create an informal network of institutions and individuals with an interest in women and global energy policy research. It was incumbent on the energy policy makers assembled in Dakar to re-evaluate the issues. In order to assess what improvements were required in the future, the energy experts reflected on the energy strategies of the last two decades and what the effects had been. They assessed the key energy actors, energy strategies, and possibilities for improved policy analysis and decision-making which will highlight women’s relevance to and potential contributions for sustainable energy development. Participants discussed which issues are still relevant to today’s intellectual debate and which new issues exist. Participants also attempted: to establish a consensus around policies that make sense in the midst of the current energy and socio-economic situation; to begin the process of rejecting energy policies that tie us to the status quo; and finally, to establish a framework for ensuring more effective integration of gender concerns into energy policy-making” (Wakhungu 1996, 98).

Topics: Development, Gender, Women, Governance, Infrastructure, Energy

Year: 1996