
Women Combat 23% Income Loss from Extreme Heat with Innovative Solutions
What Happened?
Bijal Brahmbhatt, director of Mahila Housing Trust, is addressing the impact of extreme heat on low-income women in India. Her initiatives include reflective roofs and climate insurance, aiming to reduce income loss.
Key points
- Bijal Brahmbhatt graduated as a civil engineer in 1992 and now leads Mahila Housing Trust.
- MHT is one of two Indian finalists for the 2026 Earthshot Prize.
- Women reported losing 23% of their income due to extreme heat.
- MHT developed reflective roofs and heat insurance to combat heat-related income loss.
- Around 2,000 women received payouts from heat insurance in 2024.
- Brahmbhatt emphasizes the importance of community-led solutions in urban planning.
Key insights
- The recognition from the Earthshot Prize may enhance MHT's ability to secure funding and partnerships.
- Community-led initiatives can reshape urban planning to be more inclusive and effective.
- Addressing climate issues through women's perspectives can lead to more sustainable solutions.
Why it matters
This initiative could significantly improve the livelihoods of low-income women affected by extreme heat.
Tags
Entities
Source
India Today

