For Madhesh women, electricity means not just light but livelihood
Summary
In Madhesh, Nepal, electricity is transforming women's livelihood by enabling traditional and new businesses, from leaf plate production to dairy farming and cotton mills, fostering economic growth and social inclusion.
Key Points
- Electricity has enabled Madhesh women to expand traditional businesses like leaf plate production using machines, increasing efficiency and income.
- Entrepreneurs like Kalyani Devi Chaudhary and Babita Kumari Sah have developed dairy and cotton businesses, respectively, supported by electricity and loans.
- Despite improvements, Madhesh faces challenges with weak power supply and household affordability barriers to electrical access.
- The Asian Development Bank and partners are supporting energy upgrades and training for women entrepreneurs to promote economic growth and gender equality in Madhesh.
