Bihar Sees 50% Surge In Awareness On DRE Among Women: Report

Bihar Sees 50% Surge In Awareness On DRE Among Women: Report

An endline survey conducted under the Bolega Bihar initiative revealed a significant increase in awareness of renewable energy among women, rising from 25% to 76% in Nalanda and Gaya districts in the state. The study indicates a significant increase in awareness of renewable energy among the targeted group, rising from 25 per cent at the baseline to 76 per cent at the end-line study. This surge reflects that 50 per cent of rural women entrepreneurs are informed and aware of DRE solutions and understand the impact it can have on their entrepreneurial and household requirements.

Bolega Bihar claims to create a stronger push to accelerate household-level DRE adoption in Gaya and Nalanda districts. The initiatives have helped in successfully bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders to strengthen the DRE ecosystem in the state. The project was supported by leading ecosystem partners namely, World Resources Institute (WRI), Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), Eco Warriors and SAKHI.

Energy efficiency and Renewable energy for most parts is an abstract concept for rural communities and must be simplified and communicated in a demonstrable manner. Bolega Bihar said that its solar-related events attempt to do just that and this is why over 71 per cent of visitors now recognise the benefits of LED lights. Around 61 per cent are aware of the advantages of using solar lamps/bulbs while 11 per cent are aware of solar food processors. The leadership training undertaken by Bolega Bihar has further bridged the awareness and knowledge gaps and a majority of surveyed respondents (61%) stated they had gained confidence in discussing solar (RE/DRE) products knowledgeably.

The training has also empowered women and around 66% found it to be very relevant to their role as entrepreneurs. Interestingly, the majority of the respondents, falling in the age group of 26-45, are primarily engaged in activities such as cattle rearing, goat rearing, and tailoring. This is not a demographic that has easy access to information about renewable energy but is now gaining insights into potentially life-changing information.

“The primary goal of the end-line study was to assess changes in rural women entrepreneurs’ knowledge of DRE solutions, their leadership skills, awareness of available schemes and subsidies post Bolega Bihar’s intervention, and the identification of barriers to adopting energy-efficient solutions. Bolega Bihar worked with women in Nalanda and Gaya, enhancing their interest in solar adoption by facilitating dialogue with stakeholders through training programs and on ground events,” says Deepti Ojha, Spokesperson, Bolega Bihar.

Meanwhile, 66 per cent of the trained women found the training conducted by Bolega Bihar highly relevant to their roles as women entrepreneurs. More than 1,200 women were reached for the training, and they mentioned their ability to engage their peers in self-help groups and share their learnings from the leadership training.