By Obiabin Onukwugha
Stakeholders have called for inclusion of vulnerable groups, including women in Nigeria’s energy transition policies, warning that any shift to renewable energy that excludes these groups risks deepening poverty, inequality and energy insecurity in local communities.
The stakeholders made the call at an Energy Transition Summit for Women, organised by the Society for Women and Youths Affairs, SWAYA, as part of the commemoration of Afrika Vuka 2026 themed: “Rise for Climate Justice: Affordable Energy for All Africans”, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking during the event, Executive Director of SWAYA, Dr. Stella Amanie, said women remained the most affected by Nigeria’s energy crisis “and must therefore be placed at the centre of renewable energy planning, funding and implementation.”
According to her, women who run households, small businesses and community economies cannot continue to be treated as passive beneficiaries, while policies are designed without their input.
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“You cannot have a just energy transition without the women who run households, manage small businesses, lead communities and innovate in every corner of this state. If the transition leaves women out, it fails,” Amanie declared.
She said the summit was convened to amplify women’s voices on affordable clean energy access, ownership opportunities and economic participation in emerging renewable energy sectors.
“Women need to be included. Women are the ones running homes and small businesses. If clean energy is affordable and accessible for everyone, then it should also work for women in the communities.
“We have come to amplify women’s voices for renewable energy and asked them to go back to their communities and demand answers from policymakers. As elections approach, women should ask politicians what they are bringing in terms of clean and affordable energy solutions,” she emphasised.
Amanie stressed that renewable energy infrastructure such as solar-powered streetlights could significantly improve safety, reduce criminality and boost women’s economic activities in markets and rural communities.
“If markets and communities are properly lit, women can stay longer to sell safely. Mothers can move freely at night during emergencies without fear. These are practical benefits of affordable renewable energy.”
She further urged the federal government to mainstream women into energy transition budgets and policy frameworks as Nigeria pursues its 2060 net-zero target.
“While they are planning for 2060, they must put women in their budgets. That is why we are calling for inclusion in this energy transition,” she added.
Speaking virtually at the summit, President of the Citizens’ Association for Human Rights, Argentina and member of the CBD Women Caucus, Prof. María José Lubertino, linked fossil fuel dependence to oppression, exploitation and environmental injustice in developing countries.
“The quest for fossil fuel dependency has brought exploitation, colonial dominance and militarisation in the Global South. Energy transition must uphold gender rights and human rights.
“We are calling for an economy without pollution. Women and local communities must be integral in the energy transition process,” she said.
Also speaking, Deepali Atul Deokar of Exploring Womanhood Foundation, India, noted that energy transition must go beyond climate conversations and focus on building equitable development models for rural women.
“Just energy transition is not only about phasing out fossil fuels but building an equitable future where women are not left behind, especially in rural communities,” she stated.
On her part, Nigerian-born senior researcher based in Germany, Dr. Isimemen Osemwegie, urged women to position themselves as active stakeholders in energy governance and policymaking.
“Women should not see themselves as victims but as major players in the energy sector. Every woman is affected by cooking gas prices, transport fares and electricity challenges. Women carry the burden of the energy crisis.”
Representing Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, Confidence Otikor warned that rising energy costs were worsening hardship for poor households and exposing women to serious health risks from firewood cooking.
“Cooking with firewood is stressful and unhealthy. Smoke affects the eyes, nose and even the food. Renewable energy can improve livelihoods, create jobs and reduce environmental pollution.
“Women must demand seats at decision-making tables where energy transition policies are discussed,” she stated.
By Obiabin Onukwugha
Stakeholders have called for inclusion of vulnerable groups, including women in Nigeria’s energy transition policies, warning that any shift to renewable energy that excludes these groups risks deepening poverty, inequality and energy insecurity in local communities.
The stakeholders made the call at an Energy Transition Summit for Women, organised by the Society for Women and Youths Affairs, SWAYA, as part of the commemoration of Afrika Vuka 2026 themed: “Rise for Climate Justice: Affordable Energy for All Africans”, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking during the event, Executive Director of SWAYA, Dr. Stella Amanie, said women remained the most affected by Nigeria’s energy crisis “and must therefore be placed at the centre of renewable energy planning, funding and implementation.”
According to her, women who run households, small businesses and community economies cannot continue to be treated as passive beneficiaries, while policies are designed without their input.
“You cannot have a just energy transition without the women who run households, manage small businesses, lead communities and innovate in every corner of this state. If the transition leaves women out, it fails,” Amanie declared.
She said the summit was convened to amplify women’s voices on affordable clean energy access, ownership opportunities and economic participation in emerging renewable energy sectors.
“Women need to be included. Women are the ones running homes and small businesses. If clean energy is affordable and accessible for everyone, then it should also work for women in the communities.
“We have come to amplify women’s voices for renewable energy and asked them to go back to their communities and demand answers from policymakers. As elections approach, women should ask politicians what they are bringing in terms of clean and affordable energy solutions,” she emphasised.
Amanie stressed that renewable energy infrastructure such as solar-powered streetlights could significantly improve safety, reduce criminality and boost women’s economic activities in markets and rural communities.
“If markets and communities are properly lit, women can stay longer to sell safely. Mothers can move freely at night during emergencies without fear. These are practical benefits of affordable renewable energy.”
She further urged the federal government to mainstream women into energy transition budgets and policy frameworks as Nigeria pursues its 2060 net-zero target.
“While they are planning for 2060, they must put women in their budgets. That is why we are calling for inclusion in this energy transition,” she added.
Speaking virtually at the summit, President of the Citizens’ Association for Human Rights, Argentina and member of the CBD Women Caucus, Prof. María José Lubertino, linked fossil fuel dependence to oppression, exploitation and environmental injustice in developing countries.
“The quest for fossil fuel dependency has brought exploitation, colonial dominance and militarisation in the Global South. Energy transition must uphold gender rights and human rights.
“We are calling for an economy without pollution. Women and local communities must be integral in the energy transition process,” she said.
Also speaking, Deepali Atul Deokar of Exploring Womanhood Foundation, India, noted that energy transition must go beyond climate conversations and focus on building equitable development models for rural women.
“Just energy transition is not only about phasing out fossil fuels but building an equitable future where women are not left behind, especially in rural communities,” she stated.
On her part, Nigerian-born senior researcher based in Germany, Dr. Isimemen Osemwegie, urged women to position themselves as active stakeholders in energy governance and policymaking.
“Women should not see themselves as victims but as major players in the energy sector. Every woman is affected by cooking gas prices, transport fares and electricity challenges. Women carry the burden of the energy crisis.”
Representing Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, Confidence Otikor warned that rising energy costs were worsening hardship for poor households and exposing women to serious health risks from firewood cooking.
“Cooking with firewood is stressful and unhealthy. Smoke affects the eyes, nose and even the food. Renewable energy can improve livelihoods, create jobs and reduce environmental pollution.
“Women must demand seats at decision-making tables where energy transition policies are discussed,” she stated.
