The warriors of the sun. This is the nickname given to a group of Masai women, who set out at sunset with portable photovoltaic panels in tow. Real fighters, who fight against poverty and darkness by bringing electricity where it is lacking, in Africa. They travel around the countries of Kenya and Tanzania from house to house, literally bringing the light
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Le warriors of the sun. This is the nickname given to a group of Masai women, who set out at sunset with portable photovoltaic panels in tow. Real fighters, who fight against poverty and darkness by bringing theelectricity where it is missing, in Africa. They travel to the countries of Kenya and Tanzania from house to house, literally bringing light.
The Masai are a semi-nomadic pastoral tribe spread across Kenya and Tanzania, and globalization hasn't been good with them. Many often have to travel many miles just to charge their phones. But a new project led by Green Energy Africa has brought solar power to 2.000 families in Naiputa County, thanks to women selling solar plants at affordable prices.
By sunset, farmers had begun to worry about their cattle, easy prey for hyenas and leopards. And the children lit fires to finish their homework, filling the miserable houses with smoke. Or worse, the dangerous kerosene lamps.
Thus, Green Energy Africa launched the Werep (Women Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy Project) in September last year, with the aim of "promoting the inclusive participation of women and young people in development through solar energy", bringing energy to people who really need it and who live in Kajiado and Makueni counties.
How does the project work?
Green Energy Africa sells portable solar panels, lamps and small rechargeable batteries to women at a discount. They in turn sell the products for around 300 shillings ($ 3) each. The money does not go to them but goes to the group's account to buy more solar material. The women, previously trained in the installation of photovoltaic panels, on donkeys thus carry the panels from house to house in this remote region, giving families for the first time access to clean water and energy.
Less than a year after inception, the area has gone from zero solar energy use to 20% today. For the 2.000 families who have adopted solar technology, it has not been difficult to appreciate the benefits. Compared to kerosene and wood, the cost, convenience, and health benefits of photovoltaics convinced everyone.
Now, when evening falls, children have light available to study and farmers and ranchers can monitor their animals thanks to the efforts of the warriors of light, at the forefront of this solar revolution.
"For us, the impact of solar technology is unprecedented", he said Jackline Naiputa, who runs Osopuko-Edonyinap, one of five women's groups that brings clean energy to the area.
War is a term we don't like very much but in this case let us pass it. Because the Masai women have really waged a battle, to bring clean energy to those who until now lived in the dark.
Francesca Mancuso
Photo: Green Eergy Africa
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