The Longoi Sisterhood Group gathered under a big tree near Mwajuma Hemedi’s home in Moshi, Tanzania. The area is green and lively, with plenty of trees, vegetable plots, and animals grazing.
Earlier this year, we visited Mwajuma and the Longoi Group to learn more about her initiatives as a Solar Sister. She greeted us warmly, her stature matched only by her welcoming smile. During our visit, Mwajuma shared insights into the meaningful impact her involvement with Solar Sister has had.
Mwajuma, could you tell us about your experience as a Solar Sister Entrepreneur and what it means to you?
Being a Solar Sister is more than just a job; it’s a way to uplift my family. It allows me to support my husband at home, easing his burden. This partnership strengthens our family, providing us with an additional source of income alongside our farming and selling vegetables.
How do you find the community aspect of Solar Sister?
It’s like being part of a large family. We are a sisterhood, supporting each other, learning, and growing together. It’s empowering to be surrounded by women working to better their families and communities. I also had the opportunity to participate in the advanced training Solar Sister offers, Business Booster, with Beatres and others in our Sisterhood Group, first in the Kawaya team and later in the Longoi Group.*
Who are your primary customers, and why do you think that is?
Most of my customers are women. In our community, women take charge of the household; they are the ones doing the cooking and looking for ways to help the family. When they see the practicality of solar products, they understand their value immediately. Men might see it but not realize its importance in the same way so do not purchase the light or clean stove.
Besides solar products, what else do you sell?
I sell maize, onions, and other vegetables from our farm. These, along with the solar products, contribute to our livelihood.
Living near Moshi City, how does solar energy impact your life, given that you can access electricity?
Yes, we do have electricity, but it’s not always reliable. The solar lights are the perfect backup for our family during power outages. It ensures that our children can study at night and that our home remains safe and lit.
Can you share how the solar business helps your family in other ways?
Certainly, the solar business is not just about selling products; it’s about creating opportunities. For example, using the additional income and light from the solar products, we were able to start a poultry business. This addition is crucial, especially in times of drought when the demand for food increases. Selling eggs and chickens becomes a reliable source of income when crops fail, and people are more focused on purchasing food rather than other products.
It sounds like being a Solar Sister entrepreneur has had a profound impact on your life.
Absolutely. It has empowered me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s about providing for my family, contributing to my community, and protecting the environment. I’m proud to be a part of the Solar Sister family.
*Mwajuma joined Solar Sister in 2018 and took part in our advanced training, Business Booster, in 2021. In this program, entrepreneurs train in Connected Selling, Credit Benefits and Risks, Reinvesting Capital and Profits, and expanding their market, among other business topics.