15 women fighting poverty with solar power in Mtambo Village, Malawi
"I used to rely solely on my spouse for income, and now having my own business through this work makes me feel valued and empowered"
Modetsa Tonde , Solar Entrepreneur, Mtambo Village
Mtambo is a remote off-grid village located in Lilongwe District, Malawi. It is home to 1,876 resilient individuals, spread across 680 households. A remarkable transformation is underway, and it’s all thanks to 15 extraordinary women. These women started on a mission to bring light, hope, and prosperity to their community, one solar lamp at a time.
These incredible women are not newcomers to the scene; they were recruited and trained during our 3 month pilot program, generously supported by D-Prize. What started as a pilot has grown into a movement of empowerment and positive change, led by these dedicated women.
The challenges were profound, with limited access to electricity affecting every aspect of life. Families relied on torches and candles lamps, and children struggled to study after dark. This is where our clean energy champions stepped in. They understood the impact of energy poverty on their community, and they were determined to change it.
“The situation was dire. Our community lived in darkness. But when we became part of Village Solar’s imitative, we became the change we wanted to see,” shares one of the solar entrepreneurs, Dorothy Positani.
With the knowledge and skills acquired during their training, these women have become the light bearers in their villages. They have distributed over 130 solar lamps, and their work has impacted more than 600 lives, transforming each household they reach. Moreover, these empowered women earn a commission on each solar product sold, ensuring not only the illumination of homes but also the economic prosperity of those bringing light to their community.
"These women are not just distributing solar lamps; they are distributing hope, progress, and a brighter tomorrow. The women will continue to grow their businesses and make more money for themselves and their families. "
Susanna Simango, COO,
Village Solar