Spatial spillover effects of gender inequality on the path to energy transition and environmental sustainability in Asia

Abstract

This paper investigates the spatial spillover effects of gender inequality on energy transition and environmental sustainability in selected Asian countries by applying three spatial panel models: SAR, SEM, and SDM. The two major findings are that (1) gender inequality enhances access to clean fuels, whereas gender inequality and gender unemployment in the neighboring countries hindered access to clean energy in the home country, and (2) female labor force participation both in the home country and in the neighboring countries enhanced access to clean energy. The findings underscore the need for coordinated regional efforts to tackle gender inequality and drive environmental sustainability.