At ENERGIA, we believe that women’s economic empowerment is key to ending poverty and inequality, especially for women in last-mile communities. Our Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) program is dedicated to supporting women-led enterprises in Asia and Africa.
The factors limiting women’s entrepreneurship are both diverse and intertwined, so our approach targets multiple aspects:
Skills development: Through the WEE program, we provide a holistic support package, which includes training in technical, managerial, and leadership aspects of energy businesses.
Ongoing support: Our partners provide ongoing mentoring and financial advice to help women entrepreneurs navigate business planning, market strategies and interactions with suppliers, financial institutions and local authorities.
Building partnerships: We foster collaborations between various actors in the renewable energy value chain to support these women-led businesses. These networks help the women access resources, technologies and markets.
The positive impacts of women entrepreneurs
Supporting women to build and develop their own businesses, particularly within the energy sector delivers a wide range of impacts:
Economic advancement: Women’s participation in the energy sector and women who establish their own businesses boost their economic independence and also stand as role models for future generations.
Empowerment, leadership and agency: By engaging in energy businesses, women enhance their self-confidence, agency, and leadership skills.
Community impacts: Women entrepreneurs that use energy for their businesses, and those working directly in the energy sector, contribute to the economic advancement of their communities. They often invest in education, healthcare, and children’s welfare, leading to positive changes in family and community lives.
Change agents: Women are uniquely positioned to access untapped markets in last-mile communities, increasing the adoption of clean energy. They leverage social networks and build trusting relationships with customers, particularly other women, making them pivotal change agents in the energy transition.
Our partners
Currently, ENERGIA collaborates with the following partners as part of the WEE program:
Centre for Rural Technology- Nepal (CRTN)
Energy for Impact
Practical Action Eastern Africa
Solar Sister.
Transforming communities through women’s economic empowerment
Empowering women is not just a matter of equity; it is essential for social progress and global development. By empowering women in the energy sector, we are not just addressing poverty and inequality; we are transforming lives and communities for generations to come. In this way, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future where women are leaders and drivers of change.
