Women in India are tackling the rural energy crisis with solar power

Nov 22, 2018

Vendors use solar powered lights at an open air evening market as customers buy fruits and vegetables in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad September 10, 2009. When night falls in remote parts of Africa and the Indian subcontinent, hundreds of millions of people without access to electricity turn to candles or flammable and polluting kerosene lamps for illumination. Slowly through small loans for solar powered devices, microfinance is bringing light to these rural regions where a lack of electricity has stymied economic development, literacy rates and health. Picture taken Sepetember 10, 2009. To match feature INDIA-SOLAR/ REUTERS/Amit Dave (INDIA ENERGY BUSINESS AGRICULTURE) - GM1E5AR0L7B01

Solar-powered lights are a cost effective and renewable source of energy. Image: REUTERS/Amit Dave

Annie Banerji

South Asia Corrospondent, Thomson Reuters Foundation

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Radha Devi, a Solar Saheli (Solar Friend), stands at the courtyard of her home in Moonpur village of western Rajasthan state, India on September 12, 2018.

Radha Devi, a Solar Saheli, at her home in Rajasthan. Image: Thomson Reuters Foundation/Annie Banerji

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Bassi, a Solar Saheli (Solar Friend), interacts with a self-help group for women in her village Moonpur village of western Rajasthan state, India on September 12, 2018

Bassi speaks with a women's self-help group. Image: Thomson Reuters Foundation/Annie Banerji

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