Achieving energy neutrality: is it gender neutral? The consideration of gender in the policymaking processes of the energy transition in the municipality of Nijmegen
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2024-06-21
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en
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With the energy transition being one of the most important tools to take action on the climate crisis, it becomes increasingly important that it’s done in a just and equitable way. This is not always easy to achieve: energy transition policymaking processes are not neutral, but influenced by power structures and thus inequalities might persist in these processes. The existence of gender norms leads to gendered energy needs and creates barriers to participate in the energy transition policymaking process, thus breeding inequality when this is not acknowledged. This research aims to find out if a gendered dimension of the energy transition is taken into consideration in policymaking processes of energy transition policies in the municipality of Nijmegen. Through semi-structured interviews with policymakers and a content analysis on policy documents, it was established that the municipality of Nijmegen does not really consider gender an important aspect in their energy transition policymaking process. While having gender diverse institutional representation and plans that describe wanting to include everyone, gendered energy needs are barely acknowledged and participation processes in the municipality lack diversity. These may become more inclusive through the consideration of gender in communication strategies, leading to more just energy transition policymaking processes.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen