To investigate the existing evidence and to identify gaps in understandings around gender and entrepreneurship in the energy sector, we undertook a systematic literature review (SLR) of policy papers, grey literature and academic peer-reviewed papers. With the resulting sample of publications and reports, we examined the quality of evidence clarifying how women’s energy entrepreneurship may contribute to key SDGs, including energy access for all individuals (SDG7), gender equality (SDG5), health and well-being (SDG3), poverty alleviation (SDG1), and sustainable economic growth (SDG8). Our primary research objectives for this review were to outline key business and behavioural drivers of success of women’s involvement in energy based enterprises, to examine the role of the private sector and market-based approaches, and to identify current program innovations to strengthen women’s agency and economic empowerment in order to scale energy access through business start-up and growth. Importantly, we applied a “gender system” theoretical perspective (Elam 2008; Ridgeway et al 2004; Ridgeway et al 1999) and multilevel research model to guide this literature review of women’s energy entrepreneurship.
