Gender gaps in energy policies: Examining the integration of women in energy policies across the Asia Pacific region

Women, as both producers and consumers of energy, are disproportionately affected by energy poverty. Women often face barriers to accessing sustainable clean energy resources due to inequities such as socio-cultural gender norms, limited financial resources, and unequal participation in decision-making processes. We reviewed the integration of women, and more broadly gender issues in national-level energy policies from the Asia Pacific Energy Portal from 2015 till 2022. We analysed each policy using the Analytical Framework for Gender-responsive Energy Policies to identify the level of gender-integration in the energy policies. Our search identified only 16 policies of the 385 policies that included gender. Integrating gender into energy policies is a vital aspect of equitable energy planning and can help reduce inequities, promote women's empowerment, and provide opportunities for engagement in the energy sector. Energy policies reflect the government's priorities and should explicitly address different gender roles in consumption and production. The absence of gender considerations in these energy policies underscores the urgent need for the energy sector to evolve toward greater gender inclusivity, addressing and closing existing gender gaps. • Women, as producers and consumers of energy, are disproportionately affected by energy poverty. • Only 16 out of 385 energy policies considered gender, indicating a significant gap in policy integration. • Gender integration in energy policies is crucial for equity, women's empowerment, and their involvement in the energy sector. • Gender-inclusive policies stimulate economic growth by empowering women as energy producers and consumers. • Addressing gender disparities in energy access contributes to broader social equity and justice.