Climate change hits women harder, new data reveals gender gaps in energy access

Fiji’s first-ever Gender and Climate Change Nexus Data Brief has revealed stark inequalities in how women and men experience the impacts of climate change, particularly in access to clean energy and household decision-making.

Launched during the National Climate Change Statistics Workshop in Suva today, the report marks a significant step in integrating gender and environmental data to inform national policy. It was developed by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) with support from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and UN Women.

Senior Statistician for National Accounts, Abdul Sahib, said the findings highlight a troubling divide: while 46.9 per cent of women live in households using clean cooking fuels such as LPG or electricity, 53.1 per cent still rely on unclean fuels like kerosene and firewood.

“The data shows a big gap between urban and rural households,” he said.

“In urban areas, 80.2 per cent of households use clean fuels, but in rural communities, only 19.8 per cent have access. This gap reflects both gender and economic inequalities that need urgent attention”.  

Mr Sahib explained that the data brief also looks at unpaid labour and decision-making within homes, areas often overlooked in climate discussions. 

“We found that women continue to carry heavier workloads when it comes to household energy use and unpaid labour,” he said.  

“This information helps policymakers design better, fairer climate solutions”.  

Environment and Climate Change director Senivasa Waqairamasi said gender-sensitive data was essential for national resilience. 

“Climate change affects everyone, but not equally,” she said. “These reports help us understand where the gaps are, so that women, men, and vulnerable groups can all benefit from climate action.” 

The workshop, co-organised by FBoS and ESCAP, will feed into Fiji’s Climate Change Act 2021, the new National Development Plan (2025–2029), and the country’s Low Emissions Development Strategy 2018–2050. 

However, officials have highlighted that the data will help government agencies plan targeted climate responses, improve access to clean energy, and strengthen Fiji’s global advocacy for gender equality in climate action. 

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj