Green Growth and Gender Equality: The Role of Political Empowerment and Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development

ABSTRACT The transition to renewable energy remains a critical global priority as nations strive to meet pressing sustainable development targets. While existing research has extensively explored various determinants of renewable energy adoption such as economic, technological, and policy‐related factors, one underexamined dimension is the role of women's political empowerment in shaping renewable energy investments. This study addresses this gap by investigating the influence of gender‐inclusive governance on renewable energy deployment within BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) from 1990 to 2023. To capture complex, nonlinear, and asymmetric relationships among the variables, this study employs advanced econometric techniques, including the Quantile‐on‐Quantile (QQ) regression and Cross‐quantilogram analysis, alongside other robust methodologies. The findings reveal that women's political empowerment significantly enhances renewable energy investments, underscoring the pivotal role of gender‐inclusive policymaking in accelerating the clean energy transition. Additionally, the study identifies economic complexity and energy policy uncertainty as key factors influencing renewable energy adoption, with both exhibiting a positive association with investment trends. These results carry important policy implications, emphasizing the need for gender‐responsive energy policies that actively promote women's participation in political decision‐making. By integrating gender considerations into renewable energy strategies, governments can foster more equitable and effective climate action. The study advocates for institutional reforms that ensure women's representation in energy governance, thereby aligning sustainable development goals with broader social equity objectives.