In the heart of innovation and environmental consciousness, Women in Energy is a business dedicated to making Smart Green stoves which is carving a niche for itself. This enterprise, through its dedication to sustainability and efficiency, is revolutionizing the way we think about traditional cooking energy methods. By designing stoves that are not only more efficient but also environmentally friendlier, this business is addressing a crucial need in both urban and rural settings.
The core of this business lies in providing a solution to the dual challenge of energy and environmental degradation. Traditional charcoal stoves are known for their high emissions and inefficiency, contributing significantly to deforestation and air pollution. However, Women in Energy has leaped forward by innovating stoves that maximize the energy output from charcoal, reducing the amount needed for cooking and thereby decreasing deforestation rates. These stoves are engineered to emit fewer pollutants, tackling the pressing issue of indoor air pollution which is a major health hazard in many developing countries.
Women in Energy is among the 18 Women-led MSMEs and Cooperatives that were selected for the Growth Accelerator Programme in Sierra Leone implemented by UNDP in partnership with Aurora Foundation. In as much as her business is growing key challenges noted were in adequate inventory for her stock as well as unorderly packaging of the stock, crowding the store room. There is also high manual labour in producing briquettes, that will be used for the stove. Stoves are also produced under a lot of manual labour, and high manual is high expenditure. After going through some Goal-setting exercises and business planning sessions with Aurora Foundation, Women in Energy was able to identify quick wins for her business and developed a growth plan for the next two years. Their business gaps were that they were unable to meet the market demands as they usually ran out of stock. The major reason for this challenge is the workspace, as it limits them to produce huge quantities as there was no proper storage space to accommodate it. With the support of this programme, she was able to get some input materials, a water tank, a briquette machine, and wooden racks. The wooden rack has helped them to utilize the workspace efficiently. Before this, they used to put the products on the floor which limits them to produce many as there will be difficulty in storing them.
By engaging with local communities, they ensure that the production of the stoves creates jobs and fosters local economies and this has positioned the business as a leader in the green technology sector. As it continues to grow, the impact of this innovative venture on global cooking practices could be profound, offering a cleaner, more sustainable way to cook for millions around the world.
