Gender Equity and Sustainable Livelihoods in Renewable Energy Value Chains

The document introduces a conceptual framework for evaluating gender equity and sustainable livelihoods in renewable energy value chains (REVCs). Using a social reproduction lens, it moves beyond simple employment metrics to examine the interplay between paid and unpaid labour, care responsibilities, and structural inequalities. The framework is structured around three dimensions: the global distribution of value, work and livelihoods, and ecological justice. It is intended as an assessment tool for policymakers and researchers to ensure that the transition to net zero emissions does not reproduce existing patterns of dependence or inequality, with illustrative applications mentioned for South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana.

• The proposed conceptual framework utilizes a social reproduction lens to analyze how renewable energy transitions affect the organization of work and life, specifically looking at the relationship between paid and unpaid labour, care responsibilities, and inequalities related to gender, class, and geography.
• The framework is organized into three interconnected dimensions: the global distribution of value (analyzing if Global South countries can move beyond low value-added roles), work and livelihoods (assessing employment quality, gendered labour segmentation, and unpaid care), and ecological justice (aligning environmental goals with equitable development).

APA

iej (2026). Gender Equity and Sustainable Livelihoods in Renewable Energy Value Chains. Institute for Economic Justice. https://iej.org.za/resource/research-report/gender-equity-and-sustainable-livelihoods-in-re-value-chains/

Chicago

iej. Gender Equity and Sustainable Livelihoods in Renewable Energy Value Chains. Institute for Economic Justice, 2026. https://iej.org.za/resource/research-report/gender-equity-and-sustainable-livelihoods-in-re-value-chains/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=iej |title=Gender Equity and Sustainable Livelihoods in Renewable Energy Value Chains |publisher=Institute for Economic Justice |date=23 February 2026 |url=https://iej.org.za/resource/research-report/gender-equity-and-sustainable-livelihoods-in-re-value-chains/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{iej2026gender, author = {iej}, title = {{Gender Equity and Sustainable Livelihoods in Renewable Energy Value Chains}}, institution = {Institute for Economic Justice}, year = {2026}, month = feb, url = {https://iej.org.za/resource/research-report/gender-equity-and-sustainable-livelihoods-in-re-value-chains/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }