Press Release
Khuzdar: A transformative initiative titled “To Curb Environmental Harm, Contribute to SDGs2030 Achievement, and Improve Underprivileged Women and Communities’ Health, Education, and Socio-Economic Equity through Women-Led Rooftop Solar Energy” is revolutionizing lives in remote villages of Balochistan, Pakistan. Spearheaded by Health And Rural Development (HARD) Balochistan in collaboration with the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation – EKOenergy, this project addresses critical challenges by delivering sustainable energy solutions while fostering gender equality, climate mitigation, and environmental conservation.
This groundbreaking initiative focuses on impoverished communities in Singa, Parpuki, Heenar, and Laghoo in Tehsil Aranji, Karkh, and Wadh of District Khuzdar. Located 60-90 kilometers from main roads, these areas face extreme poverty, malnutrition, and a severe lack of essential services, including electricity, clean water, healthcare, and education. Through this project, rooftop solar energy systems were installed in 121 households, benefiting 1,429 individuals. Solar-powered water pumps and storage tanks were introduced in four villages and five schools, providing safe drinking water to 1,622 people and access to clean energy for 1,151 students. Additionally, seven health centers equipped with solar power now deliver sustainable healthcare services to nearly 7,000 residents.
The provision of solar energy has profoundly impacted women’s lives by reducing the burden of fetching water and reliance on kerosene lamps. With clean energy and additional time, women have embraced income-generating activities like tailoring and embroidery, significantly boosting household incomes and advancing gender equality. Haleema, a beneficiary of the project, shared, “Fetching water used to take most of my day. Now, I have time to earn and ensure a better future for my children.” Solar-powered lighting has also enabled children to study at night, improving educational outcomes. Schools equipped with solar systems now provide a better learning environment with fans and uninterrupted electricity. Nasreen, a 15-year-old from Heenar village, said, “I can study comfortably now and walk to school early in the morning without fear.”
Healthcare services in the region have also been transformed. Solar-powered health centers now operate round the clock, significantly reducing maternal and child mortality rates. Refrigerated vaccines and well-lit clinics have enhanced healthcare quality, particularly for pregnant women and emergencies. Dr. Mujeeb Ur Rehman, a local healthcare worker, noted, “We can now store medicines and attend to emergencies, saving lives and improving health.” Furthermore, solar-powered water pumps have eliminated reliance on diesel engines and labor-intensive water collection, ensuring clean water access, reducing waterborne diseases, and cutting carbon emissions.
By transitioning to renewable energy, the project has mitigated climate change through reduced carbon emissions, replacing fossil fuels, and promoting eco-friendly practices. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing poverty, clean water access, affordable energy, and climate action. Directly benefiting 10,233 individuals and indirectly impacting 5,000 more, the project has achieved significant milestones, including reduced maternal mortality rates, decreased waterborne diseases, and empowerment of women and youth through leadership roles and technical training.
This initiative exemplifies how women-led, community-driven renewable energy projects can bridge development gaps in underserved regions. By fostering partnerships among local authorities, businesses, and policymakers, HARD Balochistan and EKOenergy have created a sustainable model for economic growth, gender equality, and environmental conservation. As Balochistan’s remote villages illuminate with hope, this project stands as a testament to the transformative power of clean energy and the resilience of communities striving for a brighter future.
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