Jaywanti Devi’s choice of business is promoting green energy goals of her community
This is a story of how Jaywanti Devi transformed herself from a housewife to a successful business woman running the only solar product repair shop in the village. Her unusual choice of business is helping not only herself but promoting green energy goals of her community.
Jaywanti Devi from Gaya district, Bihar was married at a young age and spent the next few years taking care of her in-laws and raising three children, while her husband farmed their land.
Due to economic difficulties, she decided to begin working, but found it hard to find employment in her village. In 2019, Jaywanti Devi attended a meeting organized by SSP in her village and was inspired to join the Clean Energy Program as Energy Sakhi. After receiving orientation and training, she started selling solar lanterns, LED bulbs and lights within the surrounding villages. She participated in meetings organized by women groups, and started spreading awareness about the benefits of using clean energy products.
In an effort that showcases Jaywanti Devi’s entrepreneurial skills, she recognized the gap in the availability of local repair services of these clean energy products. She negotiated with the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Programme called JEEViKA to receive training on how to service these electronic gadgets. Currently Jaywanti Devi runs a clean energy sale and repair shop from her home in the village of Teusi. She earns an income of around Rs.5000 per month, which she uses for the education, nutrition and health of her children.
Moreover, she has diversified into other products. Through her leadership, she was able to include around ten more women into this clean energy initiative.
Since the Covid-19 lockdown started in 2020, SSP has promoted the sale of additional products like organic fertilizers that supports climate resilient farming. Today Jayawanti Devi is considered a successful business woman in her area, and feels more confident in making decisions along with her family.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
24th January, 2022