2007 Equality Award Laureate
Grameen Shakti, Empowerment Through Renewable Energy Technologies
| Laureate Country: Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Project Country: Bangladesh |
| Website: http://www.gshakti.org |
| Video: 2007Videos/grameen_shakti.mov |
Grameen Shakti uses renewable technology to empower disadvantaged rural women with clean energy and opportunities to earn a living.
In rural parts of the developing world, people depend on kerosene and other fuels that cost too much, damage the environment, and cause cancer and asthma, especially in women who spend their days in smoke-filled rooms.
Grameen Shakti brings power and empowerment to rural areas. They train women in the use of safe, renewable energy through Solar Home Systems, biogas production, and Improved Cook Stoves. Women purchase Shakti’s solar-power systems with microcredit, and make a living installing and repairing them. The power also gives them the light they need to work and provides connections to the world through mobile phones and radios.
