Empowering women solar technicians

Context

A group of 30 rural women living along the banks of the Kaveri River faced a significant challenge: their agricultural income had dwindled as the river had dried up for three to four years due to climate change. This situation compelled them to seek alternative sources of income, as they could no longer rely solely on agriculture. Many men in the community were migrating to nearby cities in search of work, leaving the women behind to care for their families while also trying to earn a living.

When these women reached out for support, many reported having no income at all. Some were pregnant and unable to afford hospital care for childbirth. The harsh reality of their circumstances highlighted the urgent need for sustainable income opportunities, emphasizing the resilience and determination of these women as they navigated their difficult situation.

Opportunity

In collaboration with local communities, Orora co-designed and established a training center where women could learn essential skills in electronics and solar engineering. This initiative aimed to empower them to produce solar products and work regularly in a supportive production facility.

The training curriculum was comprehensive, focusing on building confidence and competence in working with electricity. Participants learned to use tools such as multimeters and soldering irons, gaining hands-on experience in assembling solar streetlights and installing them in their communities. The training included not only technical skills but also safety protocols, ensuring that the women felt secure and capable in their new roles.

We began paying them monthly, providing a source of income that, while modest, significantly impacted their lives. With this financial support, the women could cover household expenses, contribute to their families, and achieve a level of financial independence that had previously seemed out of reach. This newfound autonomy enabled them to invest in their children's education, access healthcare, and make informed decisions about their futures.

As they gained skills and confidence, many of the women started dreaming bigger. They began to see themselves not just as workers but as change-makers within their communities. Some expressed interest in pursuing further education or training, while others explored entrepreneurial opportunities, such as starting small businesses related to solar technology or sustainable practices.

The impact of this initiative extended beyond individual households. These women became role models, inspiring others in their communities to pursue education and skills training. By breaking traditional gender roles and demonstrating that women can excel in technical fields, they fostered a culture of empowerment and resilience.

Moreover, the training center became a hub of innovation and collaboration, where women shared ideas, supported each other, and collectively worked towards improving their living conditions. As they contributed to the production of solar products, they were also making a significant impact on environmental sustainability, providing clean energy solutions that reduced reliance on fossil fuels and improved energy access in their villages.

In essence, this initiative not only transformed the lives of these women but also laid the groundwork for a brighter future for their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change that will resonate for generations to come.

Impact

The women who are trained and hired by Orora Global in Orora are able to be:

• Debtfree. Training on financial planning and saving helped all our employees to be debt free or stopped them from taking further loans giving them a peace of mind that they had not experienced before.

  Bhuvaneswari, Orora Solar Engineer from Gunaseelam, says ”I had to visit a pawn shop every time I had to pay my son’s school fee, and I was never sure if I could pay on time. Yesterday, I paid the fees with my salary. For the first time it was stress-free.“

• Turned entrepreneurs. When uneducated women saw that they could learn physics and electronics, they developed a newfound confidence in doing new things! Many of our employees planned and set up small businesses. 

“I saved and bought a sewing machine so that me and my daughter can offer tailoring services and create additional income for the family. “ Karpagavalli, Orora Solar Engineer.

• Better health. The savings from salary is helping the families get timely medical help during illness. Beyond that, the work environment has positively impacted on the mental well being of our employees.  Women working at Orora have evolved as a support system for each other to deal with rough life that lacks opportunities or facilities.  While at work, the women channel their energy constructively and the positive environment helps them to deal with their daily grind. 

“My son has hormonal issues and gets very violent. I lost my husband. The break from home and opportunity to learn new skill is what keeps me sane.” shares one of our employees. 

• Enterprising and Entrepreneurial. With new skills and a steady income, these women are empowered to envision a brighter future for themselves and their families. The training not only equips them with technical expertise in solar technology but also fosters confidence and leadership qualities. As they contribute to their households, their financial independence allows them to make decisions that directly affect their lives.

❝ I am now inspired to think bigger and with some extra cash we wanted to see how we could increase our farm output. We bought good quality manure and are hoping to double our harvest this time❞ - Jayanthi, Orora Solar Specialist from Karnavalli