Solar Learning for Women
Strengthening equality through solar education for women
Self-determined into the future
Kenya
Initial situation and challenges
Gender discrimination and a lack of equality are a global problem. In Kenya, too, access to education and employment is much more difficult for women than for men. Added to this is significant wage inequality for equal work. Earning their own money and thus achieving financial independence is an important first step towards equality for women.
At the same time, there are still many regions in Kenya that have no access to electricity. This not only makes everyday life more difficult, but also hinders efforts to overcome poverty and achieve sustainable economic development.
Our approach
The Solar Learning for Women project provides women in Kenya with training in solar technology and enables them to establish themselves professionally in the solar sector. In doing so, they empower themselves through economic independence – and at the same time create access to climate-friendly energy for many more people.
Between 2024 and 2026, training courses will be held in three training centers in the districts of Kisumu, Kilifi and Nairobi. Intensive training courses will teach 300 women:
- Basics of solar technology
- Productive use of solar energy (e.g. solar dryers, irrigation, mills, ovens)
- entrepreneurial skills
- Self-management and ability to work in a team
- Computer application (ICT)
After successfully completing their training, the women receive a state-recognized diploma as a solar technician. Thanks to our partnerships in the local solar industry, we are able to support the women in their job search after the training. Through mentoring programs, the participants are also accompanied to further their education in a field of their choice (for example solar irrigation, solar drying, solar mills or solar ovens).
Since
Annual budget
Current project phase
Implementation partner
Targets 2024-2026
- Economic empowerment of women in Kenya
- Improved income opportunities in rural areas and informal urban settlements
- Improved access to climate-friendly energy services in rural areas and informal urban settlements
Effect
300 women become more independent and visible through training in solar technology – and become role models for others. Because those who are economically independent can have a say, help shape and make decisions.
At the same time, the trained solar technicians are creating access to sustainable energy in regions that were previously in the dark. They bring light to households, electricity to small businesses and new opportunities to villages.
Whether irrigating fields, processing food or setting up their own services in the solar sector: the women use their knowledge to solve specific problems. In doing so, they combat energy poverty, promote local development and protect the climate – day in, day out.
Would you like to find out more about this project?
300 women
