SCHOLARLAB FOUNDATION

Project Details

17 May, 2025 Published By: Dr. Bipul Krishna Saha

Solar-Powered Micro Economic Centers (MECs) for Women Empowerment

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Solar-Powered Micro Economic Centers (MECs) for Women Empowerment

Project Profile: Solar-Powered Micro Economic Centers (MECs) for Women Empowerment

India’s rural and border areas are rich in natural resources, agricultural produce, and skilled labor, yet women remain trapped in poverty due to limited resources, lack of opportunities, and unreliable electricity. This project introduces solar-powered Micro Economic Centers (MECs) to empower rural women with skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and improved incomes. It promotes gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Objective

The Livelihood Program based on Micro Economic Centers (MECs) aims to empower rural women by creating sustainable, flexible, and seasonal livelihood opportunities. These centers, owned and managed by women, will focus on activities like stitching, butter production, welding, and cold-pressed oil manufacturing. ScholarLab Foundation will serve as the technical and implementing partner, ensuring scalability and long-term impact.

Key Features

  • Women Empowerment: Village-owned, solar-powered economic centers run by and for women.
  • Sustainable Livelihoods: Replicable and scalable models aligned with government rural livelihood initiatives (SRLM).
  • Promote Clean Energy: Integrating solar energy to power economic activities sustainably.
  • Economic Resilience: Leveraging seasonal and variable economic activities to ensure year-round income.
  • Strengthen Communities: Mobilizing self-help groups (SHGs) to foster collective growth and shared ownership.

Project Deliverables

  • Deliverable 1 – Establishment of MECs: Create pilot solar-powered economic centers with capabilities in cold-pressed oil production, stitching, butter production, and welding.
  • Deliverable 2 – Skill Development: Provide structured training for rural women in both technical and entrepreneurial skills to ensure effective center management.
  • Deliverable 3 – Renewable Energy Integration: Implement solar-powered systems to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and ensure sustainable operations.
  • Deliverable 4 – Economic Empowerment: Achieve 100% women’s employment in target villages within five years by offering diverse, sustainable livelihood options.
  • Deliverable 5 – Monitoring & Evaluation: Deploy real-time dashboards for energy use, productivity, and financial tracking.
  • Deliverable 6 – Scalability & Replication: Develop a roadmap for replicating the MEC model across villages and linking it with national rural livelihood programs.
  • Deliverable 7 – Community Ownership: Ensure complete ownership and management by local women, fostering leadership, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

This initiative is not just about infrastructure—it is a catalyst for dignity, income security, and resilience. By investing in women and renewable energy, we invest in the future of rural India. The Micro Economic Center model will serve as a transformative pathway to self-reliance and community-driven growth.

Empowering Rural Women Through Microeconomic Centers

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