This book chapter first outlines the facts in relation to energy and poverty globally, with a particular emphasis on the sub-Saharan Africa region. Secondly, the impact of gender on how energy poverty is experienced is explained. Then it considers the growing recognition in international, regional, and national initiatives of the link between access to modern energy services, women, and poverty and what legal and policy strategies have been adopted in response. Finally, the chapter provides some thoughts on possible future responses to improving the prevailing situation and the obstacles that must be surmounted in the achievement of a gender aware approach to energy access.
