Women's empowerment through solar energy projects : a comparatives study in Nepal | |
| Author | Rathour, Trishala Singh |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-24-05 |
| Subject(s) | Women in energy development--Nepal Solar energy--Nepal Gender mainstreaming |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Energy is often intertwined with complex social, political and gender dynamics with gender being a particularly overlooked aspect. Inaccessible energy burden in a household falls disproportionately on women. Despite the presence of multiple solar energy projects in Nepal, women still face energy poverty and challenges in access to energy. This comparative study investigates the empowerment of women within solar energy projects in remote places like Dhapsung and Gutu of Nepal. Methods used were in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions; the research explores the roles, impacts and contributing factors of women‘s empowerment in these two project locations. Measuring empowerment through social, economic and behavioral impacts, this study outlines the varying differences in acquiring empowerment. By examining factors and indicators such as access to resources, women‘s mobility, decision making power, division of labor inside household, social recognition, the study identifies key determinants shaping women‘s empowerment trajectories in each locations. The findings underscore the substantial benefits experienced by women beneficiaries in both study areas as a result of the project's implementation. In Dhapsung, women have notably gained increased mobility, bolstered self-confidence, and heightened community engagement at the individual level. Conversely, in Gutu, women have become actively involved in income-generating endeavors, establishing their own savings, enhancing their proficiency in public affairs, and elevating their status within their homes and communities. However, lack of closure and politicization brought exacerbated vulnerabilities for the women beneficiaries. These outcomes exemplify the project's effectiveness in fostering the empowerment and socio-economic advancement of women across diverse contexts. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Dhakal,Shobhakar;Chatterjee, Joyee S.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarships; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |