This holiday season, SELF is raising awareness for the important role of light in our lives. This article explores why lighting public spaces is important for safe communities.  

For Nadiope Loy, life changed when the sun went down. In her rural village in central Uganda, the lack of electric power meant that she had only moonlight to guide her as she moved about her village during the dark nights. 

For Nadiope, and many women, nighttime can feel unsafe. In Uganda 22% of women aged 15-49 report having experienced sexual violence. Oftentimes, this takes place outdoors under the cover of darkness. Those who haven’t experienced it often still live with the fear.  

But for Nadiope, and her neighbors, all this changed when solar power arrived. 

Nadiope’s village is part of SELF’s solar streetlight program, an initiative that has seen the rate of assaults in the community plummet. 

These results have been replicated elsewhere. Across the country in northern Uganda, a recent solar lighting initiative in the village of Bala has the local police reporting fewer cases of crime, including sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV). Similar programs outside Uganda reflect this outcome.  

SGBV is a complex issue, needing multifaceted solutions, but light can reduce instances of violence and help women, girls, and all survivors feel safer within their communities.  

Thank you to all who have supported this work. Give now to light the way for people like Nadiope. 

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