Impact Stories

Sadia Abdala, "I have a positive mindset that "I CAN."

“Sisterhood helps to share the challenges we face in the family and how to solve them; we also learn from our fellows who managed to become champions like entrepreneur Fatma Mziray.” Solar Sister Entrepreneur Sadia Abdala  

Solar Sister operates on three pillars: promoting gender equity, facilitating access to clean energy, and advocating for climate justice. A team of local entrepreneurs meets monthly, guided by our Business Development Associates, to receive business training, stay updated on new products, and exchange ideas. Following each session, the group engages in open discussions to share our triumphs and obstacles.

Through the Sisterhood groups, the team has built a support network that empowers entrepreneurs in various ways. The women find strength in having fellow women on which to bounce ideas, lend a helping hand during family emergencies, and provide unwavering support to each other.

“During Sisterhood meetings, we discuss many things, including how to grow our business and help each member to open a new business through the profits and training from Solar Sister. If any member is sick, has a family crisis, or has a ceremony, we contribute some amount to her and participate in such events.”

Forty-six-year-old Sadia Abdala joined Solar Sister in 2015. Living in rural Tanzania, her husband is a farmer, and Sadia had a small income selling maize from their farm. Learning how to develop a business plan transformed her approach to her business. She expanded her maize business, and they fulfill their family needs without constant worry.

As a family, they love having solar lamps. Sadia can leave her kids at home and not worry about a fire risk from using candles or kerosene.

“My mind has grown positively with no fear of doing business, despite the challenges I face, I have a positive mindset that “I CAN.”