«It’s not easy to work as a woman in a male-dominated profession. On the construction site, you are often underestimated. But if you believe in yourself, you can make it!», says Damaris Kamau (24).
She speaks from experience – because she has established herself in the solar industry in Kenya. Damaris grew up in a family with four siblings. Her parents did not always have enough money to cover all the school fees. Nevertheless, she was able to complete primary school in 2019. «But then the COVID-19 pandemic came, and I had no prospects anymore», she recalls.
In 2022, Damaris seized the opportunity and applied for a training spot in our Solar Learning Youth Centers project. At first, she was shy, but through hard work and with the support of Stanley Kung’u Nfuguna, a psychologist employed by the project, she gained tremendous self-confidence.
«The training helps us women to gain recognition in the solar sector», says Damaris. When we visited her at the beginning of the year, Damaris was working confidently on the construction site of the new headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, contributing to a large-scale solar installation.
Kenya is increasingly focusing on solar energy, but there is a shortage of qualified professionals. At the same time, many young people like Damaris are hoping for an opportunity to escape structural poverty. «Our solar training builds a bridge between the solar market and disadvantaged youth.»
Your support enables disadvantaged young women like Damaris to receive training for a self-determined future. Are you in?
