Salt making in India is a tough business. In Gujarat, women build huts, dig wells and pump brine, which they sift through a series of pans, eventually crystallizing salt. In addition to pumping, all elements of the process are completed by hand. Women often work without contracts and low wages.
SEWA
An estimated 1000 women, will be trained as solar panel technicians and solar pumps in this program.
Project – a partnership between the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), India’s leading clean energy company, “Renew Power”, the Self-Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA), and the western state of Gujarat – to give these women the skills to build build a new, more rewarding and better paying career in the renewable energy industry.
At SEWA training centers and Renewable Energy facilities in the state, about 1,000 women from the area are learning how to work as solar panel and solar pump technicians. They will also receive technical training from the Electronics Industry Skills Council of India.
Reema Nanavati, from SEWA, said: “This program will not only help create alternative livelihoods for our SEWA sisters, but will also help respond to environmental challenges in traditional sectors. like salt production”. often used. “It will help achieve the appropriate change towards environmental sustainability. And we look forward to expanding this program to other regions across the country.”
SEWA
UNEP, partners in training rural women on clean energy livelihoods.
One of the places where women can get a job is at Renew Power, one of the project’s partners. “We wanted to capture the interest of women in an industry that is not just growing and help them become clean energy leaders in India,” said Vaishali Sinha, the company’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
The project supports efforts to achieve some Sustainable development goals – including gender equality, clean and affordable energy, decent work and economic growth, and climate action – and global climate funds are being sought to expand over the years to and finance similar developments that can lead to “green jobs” and sustainable start-ups.
Atul Bagai, head of UNEP India Office, is excited by the potential for nationwide expansion. “We are excited to support these initiatives, along with companies like ‘Renew Power’ and organizations like ‘SEWA’. They play an important role in tackling climate change, teaching women important skills and providing jobs. ”
This story is part of the multimedia United Nations News series featuring women take the lead for a more equitable, sustainable future, published before this year International Women’s Day on March 8th.
SEWA
The multidisciplinary program will facilitate the training of salt pan workers from the Rann of Kutch in solar technology to help them make the transition from traditional energy sources to renewable and clean energy and new livelihood opportunities.
