This Palgrave Pivot investigates energy poverty in Jamaica, which is a growing problem that affects the mental, physical, and financial health of individuals, families, and communities, and its specific impact on women. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study demonstrates the shared relationship between energy development and economic development. It argues that the development of the energy sector has not been a gender-neutral process and has evolved and transitioned within the context of the global political economy, which has been irrevocably shaped and impacted by the lack of government regulation, an increase in efforts at privatization, and the effects of liberalization in terms of the development.  Specifically, it shows that more often than not women bear the burden of sourcing, collecting, and using energy for household activities, agriculture, and income-generating tasks. As such, women are affected by energy poverty in many ways, including but not limited to time burdens and drudgery, health issues and physical burdens, as well as the issues that arise due to restrictions on information. This book will be of interest to students and scholars in gender studies, global development, economics, and politics, as well as policymakers and activists dedicated to gender equality and energy justice.

Shinique Walters has a PhD from the Department of Government, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. She obtained a Masters in Gender and Development Studies and a BSC degree in International Relations (major) Culture Studies and Political Science (minors). She has worked in the areas of Project Management, Institutional Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Gender Studies and Community Development. She is a Lecturer with the Department of Government, Research Fellow at the Centre for Leadership and Governance, at the University of the West Indies, Mona.  She has worked on a number of International, Regional and Local projects that have contributed to both local and regional development. She has also published a book, several reports and academic papers.