In the bustling town of Kadoma, Zimbabwe, the heat is relentless. Shops keep their drinks cold with buzzing refrigerators, while at home, mothers worry about food spoiling during power cuts. In Zimbabwe, appliances like fridges and air conditioners are no longer just conveniences—they’re essentials for everyday life.
However, these appliances come with challenges. They contribute to climate change, strain the electricity grid, and have significant effects on women, who often manage household energy use. In rural areas, women walk far to gather firewood, balancing heavy loads while caring for children. In cities, they face rising energy costs that affect their small businesses and daily lives.
The government’s approach is shifting. Zimbabwe’s National Energy Efficiency Policy places a strong emphasis on gender, recognizing that energy solutions must consider the different roles of men and women. If the needs of women are neglected, inequalities will deepen.
At a recent workshop, experts and community leaders discussed how empowering women with energy-efficient technologies could uplift entire communities. Statistics from the ZimStat 2022 National Census show that women make up 52% of Zimbabwe’s 15.2 million people, highlighting the importance of focusing on their needs in energy policies.
Take Rudo, a mother from Bulawayo. She’s frustrated as her outdated freezer consumes more power than her lights and TV combined. “But without it, I can’t preserve food,” she says. Similarly, Ms. Tendai Munamati, a vegetable trader, feels the strain every time her fridge breaks down, resulting in lost inventory and income. A local nurse recalls the heartbreaking moment when vaccines spoiled during power cuts, leading to wasted resources and lost healthcare opportunities.
According to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera), the number of air conditioners has doubled in just five years. During summer, these cooling systems can consume nearly 40% of electricity, and many are old and inefficient, leaking harmful greenhouse gases. Zimbabwe is committed to phasing out these gases under the Kigali Amendment, but enforcement is still inconsistent. Many people, especially women with limited funds, opt for cheaper, second-hand appliances, complicating the issue further.
Experts stress that energy efficiency isn’t just an economic issue; it’s vital for women’s health and livelihoods. “Sustainable cooling is a gender justice issue,” notes a climate scientist from the University of Zimbabwe. Many technicians are self-taught, and unqualified repair practices can lead to increased emissions, putting women at risk.
To combat this, the National Ozone Unit is working on certifying technicians, and the Consumer Protection Commission is reminding consumers to ask for receipts and warranties when purchasing appliances. However, it’s essential to focus educational efforts on women, who often make household decisions about energy use.
Women traders, mothers, and healthcare workers know that sustainable cooling is crucial for their communities. The goals of phasing out harmful gases, setting standards, training technicians, and consumer education are interconnected and collectively build towards gender-equitable climate action.
Historically, the energy sector has been male-dominated, yet women play a significant role in energy consumption in their homes. Old appliances are notorious for their inefficiency, causing higher electricity bills and contributing to environmental harm. Transitioning to energy-efficient models is essential for both the environment and economic survival.
Moreover, with the right support, women can take the lead in promoting energy efficiency in their communities, potentially becoming key contributors to economic growth through cooperatives or businesses focused on energy-efficient products. Mr. George Chaumba from the Ministry of Environment warns that chemicals from outdated cooling systems damage the ozone layer, leading to serious health risks like skin cancer.
Ultimately, gender equality and energy efficiency are intertwined. For Zimbabwe to achieve its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy, both must be prioritized. When women gain equal access and decision-making power, energy efficiency can transform from a mere goal into a path for inclusive prosperity for everyone.
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