In a powerful push for gender-inclusive sustainability, the Powering Livelihoods programme (a joint effort by CEEW and Villgro) is helping rural women transform their work with clean energy. The initiative supports social enterprises that deploy DRE-powered appliances for productive uses, such as solar silk-reeling machines, solar dryers and micro pumps. So far, it has enabled thousands of clean-energy deployments and created close to 20,000 livelihood opportunities — 71% of which are filled by women.

Women using these technologies report higher incomes, reduced drudgery and more financial independence. According to impact assessments, many women feel more confident, more skilled, and more active in their communities after adopting these appliances. The programme also works closely with financial institutions to unlock user financing, so women can afford the tech without bearing unfair upfront costs.

Beyond individual gains, Powering Livelihoods is helping shape broader systemic change. It has influenced government policies, built gender-sensitive business models and leveraged women as “demo champions” to spread adoption in their communities. The project shows how clean energy can be a tool not just for sustainability, but also for economic empowerment — especially for women in rural India.