Lighting the way: how women political participation shapes energy efficiency

The pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has become a global priority, with energy efficiency (EE) recognised as a crucial strategy for reducing energy consumption and addressing environmental challenges. Despite growing awareness of the importance of women’s political participation (WPP) for sustainability, its role in shaping EE outcomes remains underexplored. This study examines the association between WPP and EE in G20 nations over the period 1990–2021. Using two-way fixed effects model, the findings indicate that WPP significantly enhances EE. Mediation analysis further demonstrates that WPP fosters EE by promoting industrial upgrading. Additionally, the threshold effect analysis suggests that beyond a certain Human Development Index threshold, the link between WPP and EE becomes even stronger. These findings highlight the crucial role of inclusive political representation in achieving energy efficiency goals and provide evidence-based insights for policymakers seeking to advance sustainable energy transitions.