Working as a security guard at hospitals and commercial buildings was a job Dorcus Oyomno found risky and challenging, especially the frequent night shifts that kept her away from her four-year-old daughter Joy Shallet. In August 2023, Dorcas Oyomno joined Solar Sister after meeting Business Development Associate Grace Atieno.
“Grace thought I could do well since I was already making and selling soap door-to-door in Migori, Kenya, where I live. Around here, electricity isn’t reliable, so people like solar lights. They’re also cheaper than paying for electricity, which makes them popular.”
Dorcas and her husband, who runs a motorcycle taxi business, live in a tidy three-room house. The profits from her solar light sales help Dorcas buy supplies for her soap-making business, another source of income. The soap sales contribute to the household’s upkeep and improvement.
“The training I got from Solar Sister, especially on ‘connected selling’ and finding new customers, has been the most helpful. Now, I have a dream to study cosmetology and one day open my own salon, besides growing my soap andsolar light business.”
Solar Sister Entrepreneur Dorcas Oyomno with her 4 year old daughter Joy Shallet at home holding solar lamps.Solar Sister Entrepreneur Dorcas Oyomno daughter Joy Shallet at home holding solar lamps.
Her business has earned Dorcas respect from her husband and the community. This was especially valuable when both her mother and husband were recently ill.
“When my mom and husband got sick, my income helped us get through. It showed me how important it is to have your own money. It makes a big difference in how people treat you.”
Dorcas’s experience illustrates the broader benefits of empowering women with income-generating opportunities, as it elevates their social standing and provides a safety net during challenging times.
