Empowering Women, Empowering Communities
Solar Sister was founded in the quest for sustainable energy solutions and women’s empowerment in Africa with a vision to bring light, hope, and opportunity to the continent’s most remote communities. Solar Sister is a beacon of change, harnessing the power of the sun and the strength of women’s entrepreneurship.
Bridging Gaps, Lighting Futures
Since its inception, Solar Sister has trained over 10,000 female entrepreneurs and has 126 full-time employees in Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania. It’s not just about numbers; it’s a story of resilience and empowerment in regions scarred by conflict and challenges. Solar Sister’s unique model has been implemented in war-torn areas and has supported women from all backgrounds, from people with disabilities to internally displaced persons and refugees.
A Brighter, Healthier Tomorrow
Solar Sister’s impact is radiant and far-reaching. Imagine lighting up the lives of over 4 million people in rural communities where darkness once prevailed. Through the sale of 860,000 clean energy products, including 50,000 life-changing cookstoves, Solar Sister entrepreneurs have illuminated homes and significantly reduced indoor air pollution. Citing a study by Singh et al. (2012), these cookstoves have dramatically cut down harmful pollutants, reducing the risk of illness and premature death linked to exposure to household air pollution.
Green Energy, Greener Planet
In an era where climate action is crucial, Solar Sister is a champion of the environment. We have successfully mitigated over 1.4 million metric tonnes of CO2e, a testament to their commitment to the planet. By recycling more than 5,000 out-of-warranty solar products, Solar Sister demonstrates a sustainable approach to energy solutions.
Economic Empowerment in Action
The journey of a Solar Sister entrepreneur is one of financial independence and growth. These women have earned a staggering $6.8 million to date, with $1.8 million generated in 2022 alone. This remarkable achievement is a leap towards economic empowerment, transforming lives and communities. Moreover, by replacing costly and harmful energy sources like kerosene, Solar Sister has saved end-users over $170 million, amplifying the economic impact to an estimated $400 million.
Financing Dreams
Access to credit remains a hurdle for many women in Africa. Solar Sister, recognizing this gap, has provided 7,926 loans totaling $618,000 to enable more women to join their ranks. Their partnership with microfinance institutions further cements their commitment to making energy access affordable and widespread.
The Digital Leap
In a digital age, staying connected and informed is crucial. Solar Sister is at the forefront of this revolution, providing digital literacy training to over 430 women as part of a pilot program that will be scaled to all Solar Sister entrepreneurs. This initiative is more than just teaching skills; it’s about opening doors to new possibilities, leveraging technology for marketing and awareness, and accelerating the journey toward energy independence.
Conclusion: A Journey of Hope and Empowerment
Solar Sister’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and transformation. By intertwining women’s empowerment with sustainable energy solutions, Solar Sister is not just lighting homes but igniting dreams and building a brighter future for millions. As we reflect on our journey at the close of 2023, let us draw inspiration and envision a world where energy catalyzes change, empowerment, and hope.
By Catarina Morais, Grants Manager, stories by Joanna B. Pinneo, Communications Manager, Data, Sinead Maharey, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist.