In recent years, the Northern region of Nigeria has been faced with significant loss from the frequent insurgent attacks, especially on power grids and farmlands in Adamawa; more than half the state has been left entirely without electricity, and their source of livelihood affected. These attacks have left women the most vulnerable as they face more significant burdens. These women face unpaid work, are exposed to gender-based violence, and are more likely to be forced into early marriage, hence the need to invest in women’s enterprise in off-grid communities in Northern Nigeria.
Solar Sister has partnered with the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, CFLI, to begin an entrepreneurship journey for 50 women in Jos and Adamawa starting in February to offset some of the loss of energy access and decrease in income due to the instability. The project was launched with women recruited from Plateau and Adamawa states. By launching clean energy businesses selling solar lamps and clean cookstoves, the Solar Sister Entrepreneurs will increase the livelihood and prosperity for themselves and their families through a last-mile distribution system.
“Wherever there is conflict, women must be part of the solution.”
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
At the start of the project, our team, through the help of some community partners, brought together women from Kardarko and Bashar communities in Wase local government area, Plateau State, and Mayo-Belwa local government area in Adamawa State. Women from different groups in the communities were mobilized and presented the opportunity.
The Community Head, Woru Abba community in Mayo Belwa LGA, shared his excitement the during the launch,
“I am highly impressed with this initiative, and I encouraged all the women to be part of the program, so our community will be full of solar light.”
The women were excited about the opportunity and immediately showed interest, given time to prepare and get consent from their spouses and guarantors before beginning their business journey. They had their first meeting and trained on Welcome and Orientation. In the end, their first products were distributed to them, consisting of charcoal stoves and lamps.
We are sending these women to their communities to make an impact, solve problems and meet their basic needs. We will be sharing stories about these women and how they are succeeding on their business journey.
Blog Post by Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, Communications and Business Development, Solar Sister, Nigeria