The role of electricity in fostering women’s autonomy, particularly in rural areas, has garnered attention in recent years, with recent studies indicating that reliable power supply significantly enhances women’s roles in decision-making, mobility, health, and safety. According to the study titled Community Electrification and Women’s Autonomy, conducted by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the University of Colorado, dependable electricity plays a crucial role in improving women’s social, economic, and personal freedoms.

The study, which draws on data from surveys and major sources like the Indian Human Development Survey, National Crime Records Bureau reports, and the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), reveals a long-term impact of community electrification on women's empowerment. Over a span of more than two decades, the findings show a clear correlation between improved electricity supply and enhanced women's autonomy in rural regions.

Enhanced Mobility and Decision-Making

One of the key findings of the study is that electricity has led to increased mobility for women. Between 2004 and 2012, women’s mobility improved by 0.44 standard deviations, which allowed them to work, study, and socialize without fear of safety. This newfound mobility has contributed to greater participation in economic and social activities, marking a step forward in gender equality.

Additionally, the presence of reliable electricity in households has seen a notable rise in household decision-making, especially regarding health and family planning. The study reports a 4% increase in contraceptive use and improved health autonomy, as women now have better access to medical treatment. This reduction in reliance on biomass fuels for cooking further ensures a healthier environment for women, mitigating risks associated with respiratory illnesses.

Improved Safety and Reduction in Violence

A particularly significant finding of the study is the impact of electricity on safety. The study found that better-lit streets and public spaces lead to a reduction in crimes, particularly against women. For every additional 10 hours of electricity, there was a 0.8% decline in rapes, showing the direct impact of reliable electricity in reducing violence against women. Public lighting, thus, becomes an important tool in ensuring women’s safety, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where such concerns are heightened.

Challenges and Need for Improvement

While the study highlights substantial progress, it also points out the continuing challenges in rural areas, where power outages and unreliable night-time supply continue to hinder progress. These interruptions prevent women from fully benefiting from the opportunities that electricity can bring. The researchers stress that it is crucial for policymakers to treat electricity access as a driver of social progress, not just a technical upgrade, if gender equality is to be fully realized in rural India.

Despite the advances made, it remains essential to focus on improving energy infrastructure to ensure consistent and reliable power supply, especially for rural communities. The gender equality benefits of reliable electricity are clear, and governments must prioritize this in their development agendas.

This study serves as a reminder that improving energy access is not only a technical necessity but also a **key factor in achieving social progress and empowering women across rural India.

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