West Springfield Rotarians to Bring Better Lighting to Indian City

The $38,000 project kicks off in February.  The goal is to make Shimoga, population nearly 300,000, a safer city – one where where women and girls can enjoy public spaces and public life without fear of being assaulted and sexually abused.  Reducing the incidence of random street violence against women allows them to increase their social, economic, cultural and political participation as equal citizens.

 

The project is supported by the Global Grant program of The Rotary Foundation, and by Rotarians in our District.

 

In partnership with local womens’ empowerment groups and Selco Solar Light, Ltd., a Bangalore-based company, the West Springfield Club is leading the effort to install over 70 LED street lights, with poles and batter boxes, in five area slums.  The lights will be solar-powered and environmentally friendly.

 

Selco has also committed to training the benefitting communities in the ongoing care and maintenance of the streetlights.

 

“When public spaces are dark, and unclean, or lack certain elements like emergency phones, they’re potentially unsafe for everybody and especially women and girls,” said West Springfield Rotarian Robert MacDonald.  He noted that when people stop using public spaces where they fear violence, social and economic opportunities wither away. “Good lighting ensures that users can see and be seen,” said MacDonald.  The new streetlights will enable women and children to access public services, education and support schemes for unemployment.  And, of course, “making city safer for women will make it safer for everyone,” he said.

 

Once a safe atmosphere is established by making the area well lit, Rotarians hope to begin train women in Shimoga to get involved in different wage earning cottage industries, like candle and paper bag making, and basic literacy programs.