This chapter gives an overview of how the issues addressed within the gender and energy nexus have evolved since the end of the Second World War in 1945. It describes how the focus of policymakers in the energy sector has expanded from a supply-side issue of improving energy supply to include a demand-side perspective which looks at households. Initial energy for cooking and women in the rural Global South was the key problem. However, research reveals that there are more energy issues related to households and the key role men play in decisions related to energy services. While the Global North’s interest in the gender and energy nexus took longer to emerge, with employment of women in the energy sector being the main focus, this chapter identifies areas of overlap with the Global South opening up the prospect for cross learning.