On November 12, the EU4Climate Project National Coordinator Nazim Mammadov delivered a “Gender and climate change integration into the energy policy in Azerbaijan” presentation at a COP 27 side event hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event gathered six Eastern Partnership countries to discuss a comparative analysis of the Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategies in the Eastern Partnership countries (EaP).

The presentation underscored women's empowerment in sub-sectors of the economy, including the energy sector, as one of the key factors to achieving long-term low emissions development strategies in Azerbaijan.

"Gender-responsive energy policy in Azerbaijan through the usage of hydropower, solar and wind energy, and energy efficiency empowers women and leads to improved well-being, gender equality and social justice," Mr Mammadov said, addressing the COP-27 side event.

In Azerbaijan, the share of economically active women compared to men is lower by 5.8%, including urban places 6.6%, rural places 4.8% lower according to official statistics. Out of 48% employed women, 78.1% are engaged in the private sector and 21.9% in the public sector. Women make up 73% in education, 78% in healthcare and social sphere and 62% in art and recreation economic activities.

At present, women are underrepresented as entrepreneurs, business owners in Azerbaijan with only 25% of registered businesses being owned by women. Women represent only 21% of small enterprise owners. According to the statistics published on the national statistics website, female private entrepreneurs as of January 2021 make 21% compared to 79% of male entrepreneurs. Women entrepreneurs are mainly concentrated in agriculture and fishing, trade and other service activities economic areas. 

Developing and implementing climate-friendly and gender-responsive energy policy initiatives could significantly contribute to sustainable economic development.

The presentation delivered by Mr. Mammadov suggests specific steps for integrating and mainstreaming gender concepts into the energy policy considering both the service demand side and the service supply sides. It presents the steps or guiding elements on the demand side covering improved access to energy infrastructure by poor and low-income groups and households headed by women, the introduction of clean energy sources in household routine, increase women's entrepreneurship and employment opportunities and implementation of user education programs.

The EU4Climate initiative is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. It supports countries in implementing the Paris Climate Agreement and improving climate policies and legislation. Its ambition is to limit the effects of climate change and make citizens more resilient to them. It will assist the EaP countries to integrate the low emissions and climate resilience objectives into development policies and plans, to improve and consolidate climate policies and legislative alignment.

Media contact

Vusala Abbasova, E&E Communication Specialist, +994 55 505 37 39, vusala.abbasova@undp.org