Linking energy & empowerment

Some years back, in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh Government and the Asian Development Bank, Hand in Hand India implemented a project on addressing energy poverty through establishing energy-based enterprises. Through this innovative initiative, self help group women upgraded their existing enterprises to those that are energy-based, eliminating drudgery and improving productivity and income. Small trades such as bangle-making and pottery were mechanised and new trades such as CFL bulb making introduced too. In this process, women were trained in the use of electricity and responsible consumption.