Barefoot College : case study

Abstract

Training has been provided in habitat services to 15,000 women in solar engineering, mechanical repair and fabrication (such as hand pump mechanics), solar cooker engineering, and masonry. Women generally work in groups, which helps them support each other. Men are included in courses, but once skilled tend to migrate to cities. Support from the women’s husbands and family is mostly in the form of allowing them to do the work without neglecting household chores. Women show immense capability and determination to learn; they realize the importance of quality, and their work is often superior to men’s production. Corruption at governance levels is a continuing problem.