Regions of Imereti, Samegrelo, Samtskhe Javakheti and Shida Kartli: Cooperatives promote gender equality and combat energy poverty in Rural Georgia
In rural Georgia, particularly in the regions of Imereti, Samegrelo, Samtskhe-Javakheti, and Shida Kartli, communities face significant energy poverty, with many households relying on inefficient wood-burning stoves. This not only imposes financial burdens but also leads to health issues due to indoor air pollution. To address these challenges, the non-governmental organization Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), in collaboration with local partners, has developed and implemented solar water heaters and energy-efficient stoves. These technologies have been installed in over 1,000 households and 300 public buildings, including kindergartens and guesthouses, reducing energy bills by 20–50% and decreasing indoor pollution. Four community-based energy cooperatives have been established to produce, promote, and install these technologies. These cooperatives are democratically governed, with a focus on empowering women through leadership training and gender quotas in decision-making roles. Despite financial constraints hindering widespread adoption, these cooperatives foster environmentally friendly energy practices, raise awareness on gender equality, and promote democratic decision-making within communities.
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