In Bukamila Village, Chato District, life for Malitha Lawi once revolved entirely around farming. She grew cassava, rice, and potatoes, relying on a hand hoe to work the land. But farming alone was unpredictable.
“When the drought came, the rice dried, I ran out of food,” Malitha recalls. “Sometimes the price drops, you sell food, but life still becomes difficult.”
At home, her family used candles, kerosene lamps, and battery torches for light. It wasn’t safe, reliable, or affordable.
Discovering Solar Sister
Malitha first heard about Solar Sister from another entrepreneur, Atieno Jumanne, during a meeting of the Kazunguti Group.
“She talked to me about how she got the opportunity to do business,” Malitha says. “It interested me because I believed I was a fighter. After a seminar from Solar Sister staff I decided to join and start my business. I wanted to liberate my community from not having clean energy for lighting and cooking.”
From the beginning, her leadership and ability to connect with people set her apart.
“I felt good because my community received me very well for bringing light to them. At that time many areas did not have electricity, so they were very happy when I brought light. They found new hope.”
Learning and Growing
Training played a key role in her success.
“Yes, I learned a lot when I joined Solar Sister, such as how to grow my business and various methods of reaching my customers. I also learned about the different products.”
Her business quickly began to change her family’s life.
“It has taken me out of a poverty environment and put me in a better place because I earn money to support myself and my family. I set aside profits and capital so I had the ability to develop my business. It also helps the children go to school and even household expenses.”
She proudly shares how she supports her son, Mlayi Pendo, who is in kindergarten; she is now able to help with purchasing school uniforms, exercise books, and his school bag.
Balancing Family and Business
As a mother and entrepreneur, Malitha has found ways to manage both roles.
“I allocate my time and responsibilities as a mother. In the morning I prepare food for the students, in the afternoon I cook so when they come from school they can eat. Then I serve my community as an entrepreneurial woman going to homes or groups from noon until evening, then I go back to rest.”
Building the Future
Today, Malitha continues to reach new customers in markets and nearby villages. People trust her products because, as she says, “they are of high quality and reliable, and also come with a warranty.”
Her vision for the future is ambitious. She sees opportunity all around her, especially in her community near Lake Victoria: rice hulling machines, maize threshers, and fishing lights.
“My biggest dream is to become a big entrepreneur not only owning a shop but a business that will make people come to me daily. I really like the milling machine program because my community are farmers and fishermen. I believe they will also come for the high-quality fishing lights. This is a business I see has high demand now.”
A Message to Other Women
Malitha doesn’t hesitate when asked what she would tell women who think they can’t start a business:
Get up and start a business. Stop being dependent when the opportunity is outside.”
Her journey has shifted how she sees herself.
This opportunity helped me open up mentally and see that opportunities are always there; we have to wake up and see them. My confidence has increased so much nowadays.”
For her, being part of Solar Sister is deeply meaningful:
“I feel very good about being part of Solar Sister because it has taken me so far. I didn’t know if I could achieve the life I have right now.”
Interview by John Nyallu, Business Development Manager and Communications, Tanzania