June 2018 – Through its international work, NARUC has observed disproportionately low levels of participation by women in energy regulation and the need for a resource that can inform and provide guidance to energy regulators on gender equality.

To meet this need, the Practical Guide to Women in Energy Regulation introduces concepts of gender equality in energy regulation and details a menu of strategies for regulators to improve gender equality within their areas of influence and jurisdiction. 

Developed in collaboration with USAID’s Energy Division, this guide provides an overview of the current role of women within the energy sector and identifies approaches to gender equity that consider women as employees, decision-makers and stakeholders, energy users and participants in the energy value chain.

The guide provides energy regulators with analyses of three key pathways for gender inclusion:

1. The Workforce
2. Energy Regulation
3. Infrastructure Projects

In each of these respective sections, the guide provides:

• An overview of existing barriers and challenges to women's participation.
• A suite of strategies to more fully support gender equity, with illustrative examples.
• Case studies drawing from the recent application of strategies to advance gender equity in energy regulation in different country contexts.

The guide would not be possible without our NARUC members, who have provided leadership on gender equity and insight and feedback on the guide as it has progressed. 

The guide is accessible here. A French translation of the guide is also available here. 

This story is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of NARUC and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

(Photo Credit: USAID)