Gender-sensitive solar lighting in Bangladesh: lighting, sanitation and the risk of gender-based violence

Case study 2: Bangladesh, Rohingya refugee camps, Cox’s Bazaar. What type of lighting was installed, when, where and why? Since August 2017, over 700,000 Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar to the relative safety of camps around Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh. The camps were established rapidly and without prior planning in a hilly area. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people have to negotiate many physical hazards – including extremely steep and uneven steps, bridges in poor repair, muddy and uneven ground – simply to access water or latrines. Conditions are even more treacherous given the poor or non-existent lighting. Injuries are common and it is easy to get lost in poorly lit neighbourhoods that are crammed together without distinguishing landmarks. Lack of light limits mobility for women and men of all ages – though women are particularly affected.

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