The Socio-historical Transformative Role of Women Towards Social and Energy Justice in Brazil

This study addresses the multidimensional phenomenon of energy poverty in Brazil and the importance of women as agents of change and transformation to mitigate the negative impacts caused by a lack of access to energy. Energy poverty, a phenomenon experienced by millions of people worldwide, is a consequence of asymmetrical power relations, demonstrating that it is part of a socio-historical structure in which gender issues have been neglected. Therefore, we approach the concept of gender from a socio-historical perspective to contextualize the oppression and subordination suffered by women, inequality, and asymmetry between genders, and how these situations operate in reality and interfere with social and power relations as a whole. Considering that women still occupy the domestic space, a culturally naturalized place delegated to them, it is essential to denature this cultural issue by reflecting on power dynamics and structural and material violence. From this perspective, women are essential agents of change to confront resistance to new energy systems, which, in themselves, are insufficient to break down power asymmetries in energy access and distribution. In this chapter, we discuss the relevant debate on the difference between injustice and violence, and how this affects the achievement of SDGs 5 and 7. After all, if part of the population does not enjoy the basic rights that provide them with a dignified life, how can there be social justice?