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It’s not only energy that is undergoing a transition — gender is too. As we reshape our energy systems to be cleaner and more sustainable, we have also transformed the roles and representation of women within the industry.

The role of women in the LPG industry has evolved significantly. Where once they faced limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks, today — with the support of the Women in LPG Global Network (WINLPG) — they have access to strong platforms, where women can exchange ideas, and drive change across the value chain.

WINLPG

WINLPG was created by the World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) in 2015 to address the challenge of bringing a more diverse workforce into the Liquid Gas Industry. Today, a decade from its launch, the network has some 4,000 members around the world and fourteen national chapters. National chapters are critical to the success of the network as they enable specific work to be done in-country as goals of the network vary from geography to geography. WINLPG aims to launch at least one new national chapter each year. WINLPG also organises webinars, podcasts, an annual awards programme, face-to-face knowledge exchange meetings and much more.

For more details on WINLPG visit https://www.worldliquidgas.org/key-focus-areas/women-in-lpg/

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The Gender Equality Landscape in Africa

The Africa Gender Index 2023 Analytical Report indicates that women in Africa have made notable strides toward achieving gender equality compared to four years ago. Gender equality in Africa has shown steady progress with increasing from 48.6% in 2019 to 50.3% in 2023, indicating that women now access over half the opportunities available to men in economic, political, and social areas even though some gaps can be improved.

In the social dimension, with a high score of 98.3%, this indicates that education and healthcare access equally in all genders, where more girls are now graduating than boys at all school levels. These gains suggest that, with stronger education, future generations of women are likely to access greater employment and leadership opportunities across the continent.

While gender disparities persist, governments across Africa have not turned blind eyes on this topic. Many countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Cameroon, have established dedicated ministries or departments focused on women’s affairs and gender equality. These efforts, alongside civil society initiatives, are helping to ensure that women can lead, participate in, and benefit from national development across all sectors.

Why Women can play a transformative role for the LPG Sector

Women are not just participants in the sector; they are innovators, leaders, and powerful advocates for progress. Our presence brings more than diversity — it brings fresh, well-rounded perspectives that enhance innovation, business practices, and policy development.

In particular, women are playing a vital role in advancing clean cooking solutions. In many communities, they are the primary users for household energy. When women are empowered with knowledge, resources, and leadership roles in the LPG sector, they become essential agents in promoting the adoption of safe, clean, and accessible cooking fuels — especially in underserved and rural areas.

In Africa, women account for the majority of LPG use for cooking, yet they remain underrepresented in the supply chain (DMRE, 2015). Integrating women into the LPG value chain is not only a strategy for gender equality — it enhances the effectiveness of clean cooking initiatives. Their lived experience as daily users provides critical insights for designing practical, inclusive solutions.

Greater female involvement leads to better health outcomes, reduced emissions, and more time for education, employment, and entrepreneurship. This is not just about providing clean fuel — it’s about improving lives and ensuring women have a central role in shaping energy solutions that serve their communities.

Case Study: Women Role in LPG Industry, Cameroon

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From Accident to Advocacy: Bessem Enonchong’s Journey in Clean Cooking with LPG

Bessem Enonchong, Business Development Lead for Cameroon and Sub-Saharan Africa at Kosan Crisplant, is a shining example of how one woman’s unexpected journey can spark transformative change. With an academic background in the Arts and no prior experience in the energy sector, she entered the LPG industry in 2006 purely by accident—an accident that would become a lifelong purpose.

She found that the LPG sector was very focused on equipment and infrastructure, but didn’t pay much attention to the people who use it most — especially women, children, and families in everyday households. In Cameroon, households make up nearly 80% of LPG use, yet their needs were often left out of the discussion.

This disconnect became the spark for Bessem’s mission—to champion clean cooking with LPG as not just a technical solution, but a social imperative. Her advocacy has centered on making LPG accessible, affordable, and safe for the people who need it most. By elevating the voices of women and families who cook daily and care for their homes, she has helped shift the focus of the LPG sector toward a more inclusive and people-centered approach.

Today, Bessem is more than a business leader—she is a powerful advocate for women in energy, a role model who proves that innovation doesn’t require a technical background, but a deep understanding of people, purpose, and impact. Her story serves as a beacon for other women, showing that they, too, can shape the future of clean energy—not just as users, but as leaders, changemakers, and visionaries.

Summary

Women are playing an increasingly important role in the transition to clean energy, especially in the LPG sector. In Africa, where they are the primary users of household energy, women are now stepping into leadership roles that help drive innovation, access, and policy development. Although gender gaps remain, progress is being made. Empowering women across the LPG value chain not only promotes equality but also improves health, reduces emissions, and supports economic growth. The story of Bessem Enonchong from Cameroon highlights how women can lead change in energy, not just as users but as decision-makers and advocates for their communities.