Green Energy Transition through the Gender lens: The contribution of women towards energy innovations in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is facing formidable challenges related to energy poverty and climate change, placing itself at a critical juncture in its pursuit of sustainable development. Given the urgent global need for a transition towards sustainable and green energy practices, this research delves into the valuable yet over-looked dimension of women's participation in driving energy innovations within energy services in Pakistan. While global figures show promising female output, Pakistan records a mere 4% female participation in energy policies. The study aims to investigate the impact of women’s participation on energy innovations in Pakistan given their unique position within the energy value chain and climate domain. The study foundations on a quantitative design and gathered primary data from a cumulative sample of 113 participants method via a structured questionnaire which was administered partly by self and partly online to ascertain the gender diversity impact on innovation within the energy sector. The target population was women working in energy services within Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore city. The data was analyzed using cross tabulation and regression analysis. The findings revealed that there was a positive association between energy poverty and climate change as 44.2% participants reported between 10-30% energy expenditure, and 66.4% participants reported that energy consumption always leads to climate change. While Energy innovations and climate change mitigation observed a negative association, regression analysis revealed no correlation between women participation and energy innovation in Pakistan’s energy services, thereby confirming the null hypothesis. The study laid the groundwork for gender diversity and innovation studies for the energy sector in Pakistan along with an adjoining link to climate change. The strategic levels of the energy value chain have not been fully explored in relation to gender impact. The study however recommends that greater research be carried out to explore enabling policy measures and participation factors that govern innovation within organizations and involvement of women in energy ventures.