On October 15, International Day of Rural Women is being recognised around the world bringing attention to the unique challenges faced by women in rural communities. Issues such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities are widespread and are often compounded by environmental and cultural factors that can prevent rural women from fully participating in social, political, and economic systems.
For women living in the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) catchment, they also face challenges which can hinder their ability to pursue viable livelihood options. Some of these include a lack of skills and training opportunities, access to limited infrastructure and basic services such as transportation, electricity and water. Despite this, these women continue to demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience in their daily lives. They play vital roles in their communities, serving as caretakers, farmers, and entrepreneurs. As the pendulum starts to swing through hard work and determination, these rural women are willingly taking part in opportunities provided by the Project to help build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
For the past 3 years, the renewable energy project has been committed to promoting gender equity and empowering women living in the Tina catchment through its Gender Action Plan (GAP). Its ongoing implementation has not only provided unprecedented opportunities for these women but helped to raise awareness about gender equality and challenging social norms through community engagement.
