Bringing light and income to the women most in need

This week I met with a group of women who gave me much hope for the successful distribution of microsolar panels in Tanzania. Three women from a women's organisation in Kisarawe made the one hour journey to see me to learn more about microsolar panels.

Women's Action for Development Organisation, learning about microsolar.

They said that when they think of solar, they think of large panels that they know they cannot afford. They do not understand that there are panels out there that even a villager can own, which can provide power for basic needs such as lighting and charging batteries. Curious to discover, they made every effort to come see this new technology, spending not only the time but also the transportation cost to see a demo.

They heard about SolarAid by word of mouth, through a British Tanzanian woman I met at the airport who was intrigued by my mission to bring solar to the villages. She said she runs a women's action organisation which would be very interested in working with me. Before she returned to the UK, she passed on the idea to her friends which resulted in this meeting.

Microsolar benefits
The demo was successful! The women immediately saw the benefit of microsolar panels. They were pleasantly surprised to learn that it is relatively affordable. Before I knew it, they were already thinking about how many panels their group could sell, how they would be selling the product, and the challenges of bringing these panels to the remote villages that need them the most.

"Some of these villages can only be reached by bicycles," a thoughtful woman commented. What I like about her comment is that she made them with the enthusiasm of someone keen to overcome that obstacle, as oppose to the resignation of someone who thinks the obstacle is too much. She did not have immediate solutions for me during our first meeting, but I know that given the time and the incentive, she would find a way to bring panels to those villages that can only be reached by bicycles.

Urban poverty
The women's organisation helps widows find sustainable income generation channels to help them support their families after their husbands have passed away. One woman commented that poverty exists not only in the rural areas, but also close to the city centre, as disease such as AIDS leaves a trail of widows and orphans. Thus, the group's mission is to find ways for these groups in need to support themselves. Training them to be microsolar entrepreneurs will be a great way to help them get back on their feet.

The women already placed an order for twenty panels, but they asked if they could come back to me with exact numbers as they would first like to take a survey on the needs in the villages where they operate. They said this number is just a trial, and assuming the trial is successful, I could see them ramping up for more sales.

I also showed them the light that could connect to the panels. One was a small, low cost light for Tsh6000 (about £3). Another was a more robust tube lighting for Tsh35000 (about £18).

They liked the robustness and brightness of the tube light, but already know that the price is too high. They said the small one is more marketable. That observation reaffirmed the price sensitivity of the market.

A positive attitude
Although it was getting dark and the women had to take public transportation back home, they did not want to leave me. They were eager to meet with me again and have extended invitations to visit their families, the communities, and their organisations. The warmth and the excitement was genuine.

Sometimes you know when you hit something good. That meeting with the Women's Action for Development Organisation definitely could lead to something very, very good.

Irna