The Gender-Energy Nexus in the AI Era: Challenges and Opportunities

The intersection of gender, energy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both challenges and opportunities for achieving gender equality and sustainable development. AI can be a critical enabler in accomplishing 134 of the 169 targets under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with over 600 AI-enabled use cases identified. However, the impact of AI at the intersection of SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG5 (Gender Equality) requires significant attention.  

While AI shows positive potential for supporting SDG7 by ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, SDG5 has the lowest number of AI-enabled use cases, with only 10 out of approximately 600 cases identified. This disparity is concerning considering that lack of energy access disproportionately affects women and girls. UN Women has reported that if current trends continue, by 2030, an estimated 341 million women and girls will still lack electricity, with 85 percent of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The Gender-Energy Nexus in the AI Era: Challenges and Opportunities report was produced by SEforALL’s Gender and Youth team. It explores the intersection of gender, energy, and AI, highlighting challenges and opportunities for gender equality and sustainable development.