Joining Solar Sister six years ago changed Makrina’s life.
“Joining Solar Sister helped me overcome the belief that a woman cannot manage a family or start a business without a man behind her. I hired two of my colleagues to assist in weaving baskets, especially at night. It has also helped me make a living, especially in food, shelter, and clothing.”
Makrina Barnaba Mataka is a 66-year-old entrepreneur from the Babati District in northern Tanzania. She joined Solar Sister in July 2018.
Makrina grew up as a dairy and goat farmer. She supported her family by weaving baskets and brooms. Her family relied heavily on farming and livestock breeding, particularly during the rainy season. Marika and her husband Thomas farmed and raised goats to support their six children.
Makrina uses various solar products at home. One of the lights ensures her livestock’s safety at night so wild animals like lions and hyenas cannot harm them. The others provide much-needed illumination for evening activities, such as preparing dinner and allowing her grandchildren to study.
Overcoming Personal Tragedy
Makrina’s strength is even more commendable, considering the personal tragedies she has faced. She is now a widow, and tragically, two of her six children recently passed away. Her son died after a long illness. Makrina is raising three grandchildren, ages 6 to 12, after the death of their mother, her daughter Christina, in a car accident in March 2024.
Marika’s goal is to provide for her grandchildren’s essential needs—food, clothing, and education—so they can become independent and successful people.
“When I was growing up, there were no schools, so it was far away to study. If your parents couldn’t afford to educate you, you stayed at home to care for them until you reached the age of marriage. Luckily, my mother’s side of the family had a school nearby. At 15, I lived with her family and joined adult education classes. I was able to learn how to read and write. I returned home, but I did not have the hope of employment, so I focused on manual work such as farming and breeding livestock. After joining Solar Sister, I have gotten training that motivates me to create various opportunities, set long-term goals for myself, and help others.”
Despite her business successes, Makrina faces challenges, such as fierce competition and price inflation for popular products like the more compact solar lights. However, she remains hopeful and resourceful, using the smartphone she recently received from Solar Sister to connect with customers to learn their needs so she can better compete in the marketplace.
“I enjoy being a Solar Sister and among assertive women in the community.”
Photographs and interview by Business Development Associate Edna Sarakikya.