Rural women, energy poverty and energy justice in the East Central region of Bangladesh

[摘要] This research explored the gender dimension of energy poverty in rural Bangladesh. Women’s energy poverty in their everyday lives was investigated and its effects compared with men’s experience. The research also scrutinised whether energy poverty was derived from or reinforced by energy injustice, and explored whether energy poverty has any relationship with the economic situation of women. A qualitative research approach was used, consisting of in depth interviews and observation methods. The research revealed that women’s ‘energy profile’ is not the same as men living in the same household and that they are more affected than men by energy poverty. It also discovered that women’s energy poverty is reinforced due to a lack of ‘energy justice’. All three components of energy justice (distributional justice, justice as recognition and procedural justice) are deficient regarding women in this area. It also found that women’s ability to contribute to the household’s ability to purchase energy can improve their participation in energy decisions at the household level; however, the absence of modern fuel and a reliable power supply, together with patriarchal societal arrangements, restricts women’s opportunity to earn an income. Recommendations for improving the energy situation of women in rural Bangladesh are made.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

[关键词] G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation;GE Environmental Sciences