Patna: Bihar is seeing a big change in its villages as women step forward to lead a new kind of energy movement. J-WIRES, a women’s company started in January 2020 in Dobhi block of Gaya, is helping rural women earn a living and become self-reliant by working with solar energy. What began as a small step under the Jeevika programme has now become a strong example of women’s empowerment.
J-WIRES focuses on renewable energy and energy-saving products. Women are trained to sell, assemble and market solar lamps, LED bulbs and other products. At present, 60 women from Jeevika self-help groups are shareholders in the company, and the goal is to increase this number to 200. For many of these women, being shareholders is a first, giving them both income and respect in their communities.
So far, the company has set up more than 400 solar marts in 57 blocks of Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad, West Champaran and Bhojpur. These shops are giving permanent jobs to women who run them. Under the SOLs project, more than 17.69 lakh solar study lamps have already been distributed to households. At the same time, around 2,500 women have been trained as “Solar Didis”, who now work as local leaders in promoting clean energy.
The company has also started making LED bulbs under its own brand. By the end of this financial year, J-WIRES plans to expand further and open up to 650 solar shops. This expansion is expected to bring more women into the workforce and provide better access to renewable energy in villages.
On September 2, J-WIRES took another big step by opening the Ru-Tag Smart Village Centre at its Dobhi office. This centre, inaugurated with the support of NABARD and Finnovista, will provide rural people with training in modern skills, use of new equipment and opportunities for entrepreneurship. Officials say the centre will help create more jobs and build stronger communities for the future.
Through J-WIRES, women in rural Bihar are showing that they can achieve both financial independence and social respect. By promoting solar energy, they are also protecting the environment and giving their villages a healthier future. The success of this initiative proves that when women are given opportunities, they can light up not just their homes but entire communities.
