Energy access and gender discrimination are two major problems in Myanmar. This project addresses both problems one community at a time. The project will train and support 100 rural women to sell dependable, affordable, and clean solar power products to families in their energy-poor communities.
More than two-thirds of people in Myanmar, mostly in rural areas, do not have access to affordable, dependable electricity, according to The Thomson Reuters Foundation. At the same time, women in Myanmar face discrimination in terms of wages, access to education, and political participation. Empower Generation aims to address these problems by expanding our model: empowering women to distribute clean energy solutions to their rural communities.
This pilot project will help 100 rural women in Myanmar own their own solar light businesses or become sales agents, serving their energy-poor communities. Empower Generation will identify, train, mentor, and support these women in their business endeavors. Women in our program earn a higher income and gain more confidence and respect in their communities. Their work as clean energy distributors gives rural families access to affordable, clean, reliable lighting and power.
Our project will give rural families in Myanmar, access to dependable, clean energy. We project our women entrepreneurs and sales agents will sell 1,572 products in one year, which will impact 6,916 people (average household size in Myanmar is 4.4 people). Access to electricity, will increase their working hours and income, provide longer study times for their children, and reduce the number of kitchen accidents due to better lighting. Women working in our network will earn income and respect.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
