Greenway Grameen Infra Private Limited, operating in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, is committed to enhancing women's health, safety, and livelihoods through efficient cooking solutions. They plan to distribute 1 million improved cookstoves (ICSs) to rural households at an 85% subsidy, offering improved combustion to reduce wood consumption, lower carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, and decrease indoor air pollution, ultimately contributing to reduced deforestation.

Recognizing the potential of this project, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has stepped in to support and enhance its impact, making it financially viable and transformative for women. This initiative promises to improve women's health, reduce household expenses, and create opportunities for education and employment.

Each ICS is expected to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 4.5 tons of CO₂, aligning with the Government of India's commitment to reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030. This initiative promises to improve lives, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability in rural India.

The breakthrough came during a brainstorming session between ADB and Greenway Grameen Infra when they understood that these cookstoves could drive behavior change and benefit women. By involving women in their implementation through meetings, training, and surveys, the project's success and women's empowerment grew hand in hand.

Ultimately, ADB's financial support and strategic guidance allowed Greenway Grameen Infra to champion gender equality and women's empowerment. Their inclusive approach is a shining example of how projects with feminist goals can contribute to social transformation, paving the way for a better world.

While challenges initially emerged, including the perception that climate investments didn't directly address gender inequality, ADB's investment officer recognized the important link between them, reshaping their approach. They wisely focused on a few high-impact areas, avoiding the risk of taking on too much at once. For example, ADB and Greenway Grameen Infra recognized that while replacing wood-burning fires with cookstoves might improve women's health and safety, it still reinforces traditional gender norms. They embarked on a journey to change attitudes and actions to achieve more transformative outcomes.

Access project documents here.