Clean power, progressive women

They are the bearers of light to places without power. For they have learnt to install, maintain and repair household solar electrification systems. This is what they now do in their own villages. Each household benefitting from the clean energy supply pays six thousand Tanzanian shillings per month, or roughly two US dollars. “One dollar goes directly to the Solar Mamas, giving them a regular income,” explains Brenda Geofrey, Country Director at Barefoot College International Zanzibar, where the women are trained to become solar engineers. “The other dollar goes to a reserve for contingencies such as the replacement of a battery.” The programme run by the Barefoot College International supplies a sufficient quantity of Solar Power Kits to the village community.

Almost half the population of Zanzibar has no access to electricity. Kerosene lamps are often used for lighting – that is expensive, environmentally harmful and, above all, harmful to health. The Solar Mamas therefore bring real change to their communities. And to their own lives and livelihoods. “The women enrolling in our programme generally have no formal education or profession. Many cannot read or write. They live as housewives, cook the food and rear the children.” The three-month training course not only transforms them into solar energy experts. A key focus is also placed on many further questions of daily life. “In our Enrich – Life skills module they learn about their rights, about health matters, about gender roles, about self awareness and leadership, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. We help them learn to lead sustainable and healthy lives and be successful entrepreneurs.”

The programme originated at Barefoot College International in India, where the first women from Zanzibar were already trained in 2011. Following the foundation of Barefoot College International Zanzibar in 2015, these women now train their successors. Up to now, 65 women from Zanzibar, Malawi and Somaliland have already received training. They have brought solar power to 29 villages and 1858 homes. Currently the Barefoot College International Zanzibar is training eight women from Pemba Island and the Central African Republic. This is climate action and women’s empowerment in perfect unison. “The solutions to the big challenges of our time are often already present on the ground, in the communities,” stresses Brenda Geofrey. “Local solutions can drive the necessary transitions – one just needs to give them space to flourish.”