Blog

Promoting Women’s Employment through an Innovative Distribution Model

This case study explores the training, distribution and support model employed by LivelyHoods, a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that trains and employs women and youth living in informal settlements as sales agents to distribute clean energy technologies and household products (improved cookstoves, solar lamps, water filters and household appliances) within their communities. The goal … Continue reading Promoting Women’s Employment through an Innovative Distribution Model

Toolkit on Gender Advocacy in Clean Energy

This toolkit aims to create a cohesive and targeted advocacy agenda that strengthens women’s involvement in clean energy access, by highlighting key calls to action. The toolkit focuses on five key areas for increasing involvement of women in clean energy initiatives for accelerated energy access. These key areas include: Advancing women’s participation in clean energy … Continue reading Toolkit on Gender Advocacy in Clean Energy

Gender Smart Initiatives in Cookstove Manufacturing

This case study explores the gender distribution in production at BURN Manufacturing, an improved charcoal and firewood cookstoves enterprise based in Ruiru, Kenya. Their gender distribution stands at 54% women and 46% men employed. The case study provides an overview of the challenges, accomplishments and lessons learned in creating and maintaining a gender-inclusive workforce in … Continue reading Gender Smart Initiatives in Cookstove Manufacturing

Women’s Participation in a Sustainable Clean Cooking Business model

This case study explores a six-month project undertaken by Wisdom Innovations, a cookstoves’ manufacturing facility that designs, manufactures, and sells a natural draft gasifier stove referred to as the Wisdom jiko (Wisdom stove). The project which took place between October 2016 – April 2017 aimed to increase the number of women accessing improved cookstoves through a … Continue reading Women’s Participation in a Sustainable Clean Cooking Business model

The Big Ban: No More Plastic Bags in Kenya

Today, Kenya is taking the historic step of banning non-biodegradable plastic bags (flat bags and carrier bags), following closely in the footsteps of her neighbour Rwanda. The move by the Ministry of Environment and Natural resources comes after years of stakeholder consultations and failed attempts to implement the ban. Anyone caught manufacturing, importing or using … Continue reading The Big Ban: No More Plastic Bags in Kenya

Paving the Way for Clean Energy in Kenya or Moving Backwards?

This article was originally posted on the wPOWER Hub website and was co-authored with Ruchi Soni. The growth of a country is closely tied to the pace of development of its energy resources. While Kenya is boosting its installed capacity, it needs to prioritise this growth through clean energy sources. Any energy solution in Kenya … Continue reading Paving the Way for Clean Energy in Kenya or Moving Backwards?

The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Clean Energy

The burden of energy poverty falls heavily upon the shoulders of women. Lack of access to energy means that women are forced to rely on harmful, inefficient, and expensive sources of cooking, heating, and lighting. Fortunately, these same women are the keys to eliminating energy poverty, spurring economic growth, and combating climate change. The simple … Continue reading The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Clean Energy

Does Our Competitive Market Conspire Against the Underdog?

Anyone with a basic understanding of Instagram and Snapchat knows that Instagram is a photo sharing network where people upload snaps of their food, friends, travels, brand, and most importantly their selfies. Conversely, Snapchat is a photo sharing platform where people share their stories, adventures, and day to day interactions. When Snapchat first came out, … Continue reading Does Our Competitive Market Conspire Against the Underdog?

The Endless Potential of the Circular Economy

With the quickly deteriorating state of our environment, there has been increased focus on environmentally friendly consumption and business practices. Not only is it popular to be environmentally conscious, it is good for your bottom line as well. But tossing plastic into a recycle bin and wearing ethically made organic cotton t-shirts is not enough. … Continue reading The Endless Potential of the Circular Economy