South Asia Women in Energy Network:

Finding Solutions to Rural and Urban Energy Shortages:

The lack of access to clean energy - and often energy in any form - makes life extraordinarily difficult for many women in South Asia. Household chores become far more labour-intensive, taking time from women that could be better spent on family life or income-generating activities. And daughters may be taken out of school to help their mothers with chores, virtually guaranteeing the perpetuation of poverty for future generations of women.
The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) South Asia Regional Initiative/Energy (SARI/Energy) program is working to change this situation through its South Asia Women in Energy (SAWIE) activity. Formed in April 2008, SAWIE brings together women energy sector professionals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to understand, identify and develop sustainable approaches to providing low-cost efficient energy to poor women and men in rural and urban areas throughout the region.

SAWIE: Advancing Economic Growth Opportunities for Women in South Asia

By exposing women to the opportunities available in pursuing a "green" agenda such as clean energy production through renewable and energy efficiency practices and techniques in homes and communities, the SAWIE network encourages women entrepreneurs to participate in the industrial and economic activities that are involved in the management and delivery of clean energy products and services.



Contact SAWIE:

Mr. Syed Farrukh Hussain
Country Coordinator SARI/Energy - Pakistan,
U.S. Agency for International Development, H. #3, St. #25, F-8/2,
Islamabad, Pakistan.
Tel: +92-51-2851484
Tel: +92-51-2857145
Email: sfhussain@dsl.net.pk

web: http://www.sari-energy.org