Summary:

Reliable electricity enhances women's autonomy, particularly in rural areas, by improving mobility, decision-making, health, marital and reproductive autonomy, and safety. A study titled Community Electrification and Women's Autonomy by IIT Kanpur and the University of Colorado found that dependable electricity enables women to take on more decision-making responsibilities. The research analyzed data from the Indian Human Development Survey, the National Crime Records Bureau, and the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), spanning 20 years.

The study found that well-lit streets and public spaces reduce the risk of violence against women, with rapes decreasing by 0.8% for every additional 10 hours of electricity. Women's mobility increased by 0.44 standard deviations between 2004 and 2012, enabling them to work, study, and socialize. Reliable electricity also supported household decision-making, increasing contraceptive use by 4%, improving health, and reducing dependence on biomass fuels. However, rural power outages continue to be a challenge, and researchers emphasize that energy reliability is vital for gender equality and social inclusion.

Source: IBEF 

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