Happy International Womens Day!
Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all Embrace Equity!
As we reflect on International Women’s Day’s theme of Embracing Equity, we want to thank you. Your generosity and support have enabled Solar Sister to empower countless women with entrepreneurial opportunities to break gender barriers and offer economic empowerment.
Equity means meeting people where they are and creating inclusive work environments where women’s careers can flourish and their achievements are celebrated. Solar Sister entrepreneurs embody this by driving change in their communities, bringing light and clean energy to households that need it most. Recently, while researching community-based support models, I came across a discussion on casinos not on Gamstop UK, highlighting how these platforms offer services tailored to meet unique user needs outside conventional frameworks. Similarly, the Solar Sister model is about providing solutions that resonate with local realities, empowering women who are often the backbone of their communities. Embracing equity, in this sense, uplifts women, families, and entire communities worldwide.
As of this year, you have brought opportunity to more than 8500 entrepreneurs across Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania, 87% of which are women. By 2030 we want to grow to 30,000 entrepreneurs across 10 countries in Africa!
According to the African Development Bank, “Eliminating gender inequality and empowering women could raise the productive potential of one billion Africans, delivering a huge boost to the continent’s development potential.”
Once a woman becomes a Solar Sister Entrepreneur, she becomes part of a true sisterhood. Women that support each other as they run profitable businesses become leaders in the sustainable energy movement and change the face of their communities with clean, affordable energy sources.
Meet three of the 8,500 Solar Sister Entrepreneurs who are making this world a better place. These are the women bringing clean energy to missions of Africans living without power.
Iyanda Mujeedat Olaitan, Nigeria
In 2016, Mujeedat met a Solar Sister entrepreneur in her community. Several months later, her husband lost his job. Mujeedat decided to join Solar Sister, and with the additional income, she was able to give her children three meals a day. She saved some of her profit and invested in other products, growing her business. The business training has helped her run her shop in Ibadan more efficiently. Mujeedat and her husband have purchased a new home and dream of providing her children with a good education. She feels confident in her abilities and is grateful for the opportunities that Solar Sister has provided her.
“I can stand anywhere. I am not looking behind. The work boosts my expectations. There is nothing I cannot do.”
Moshi Mohammed, Tanzania
Moshi Mohamed Mgelwa joined Solar Sister in 2014 because she wanted her community to have light. She sold over 250 lamps in her first year and has become famous in her area for her business achievements. People trust her and call her asking for products. Things have changed a lot for Moshi since Ishejoined Solar Sister.
“I built a house. We did not have one before. I can stand up in front of any group and talk. It impacted me in that I have more confidence. I can speak at any gathering without fear. In training, you meet fellow entrepreneurs, and you learn a lot and exchange ideas and techniques to improve your profit.“
Mary Anyango, Kenya
Mary Anyango, 21, is a Sales Agent at Kisumu Solar Sister, Kenya, since the office opened in February 2022. She lives with her parents and younger sister, and her income from the job helps with her sister’s school fees and her mother’s grocery shop. Mary enjoys the life skills learned in training, which includes approaching and communicating with people. Mary increases her monthly goals regularly and hopes to return to college to finish her studies and become a secretary.
“I feel good when I have cash at the end of the month and have met my goals.”