Kathmandu, July 21 Participants of a programme ‘Sustainable energy for all’ today stressed the need for sustainable energy to improve the lives of women in rural areas. Presenting a paper on ‘Energy: Empowering Women, Uplifting Lives’, programme manager of Centre for Rural Technology Dr Indira Shakya said energy should not only be used to light homes but also to uplift women’s lives . “Without access to modern energy, women and girls spend most of their time in basic subsistence tasks that are time-consuming and physically draining,” she said, adding, “Clean cooking solutions is the first step towards women’s empowerment and reduces in-house air pollution, improves health and saves time.” According to her, the clean energy programme, which is being run in six districts — Udayapur, Sindhuli, Khotang, Lalitpur, Kavrepalanchowk and Dhading — has been imparting knowledge, raising awareness, building capacity and empowering women. The programme was organised jointly by Centre for Rural Technology, National Association of Community Electricity Users Nepal and Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists. According to International Network on Gender and Sustainable Energy, CRT has also been raising awareness about renewable energy sources and technologies through special flip charts, posters and banners developed for schools. So far, these materials have reached more than 2,500 pupils. The direct recipients of these materials have been the local rural electrification entities, local government organisations, schools and participants of various training programmes. The latter include teachers who attend special capacity building programmes, and are consequently able to effectively use the materials.