We join the rest of the world to celebrate this International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Give to Gain’. In Rwanda, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, we work in rural communities to provide clean cookstoves, free of charge, to families who rely on traditional three-stone fires for cooking. When women are given access to clean cooking solutions, they gain time, health and economic freedom.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the power of giving to gain – for women, for communities, and for a healthier planet. Hear from some of the inspiring women behind the delivery of the Live Well programme as they share what “Give to Gain” means to them.
GIVE EMPOWERMENT
Bernadette Tommy, Sierra Leone – Distribution Coordinator
“When I started working at DelAgua 3 years ago, I was not sure about the profound personal satisfaction and emotional returns that this job would bring, especially working closely with women in rural communities and being able to create positive impact in their lives. It is worth every effort I have and continue to put into this project knowing that I am contributing to long-time multiplying impacts that extend far beyond DelAgua. Before joining DelAgua, my knowledge about what the average rural women go through daily to put food on the table was limited but having now spent time with
women from different parts of the country, I have been able to gain authentic perspective on local customs and traditions and the unique approach to them. From my experience, empowering a woman is the most direct way to uplift an entire community. Because women in rural communities manage over 90% of household activities, their empowerment leads to immediate improvement in health, nutrition, income and provides safe environment for the whole family unit.”
GIVE OPPORTUNITIES
Isatou Marong, The Gambia – Distribution Coordinator.
“Our Live Well project gives me the opportunity to create a more equitable society, enhance my personal growth and fulfilment while developing new skills and perspectives. Working with women in the field helps me to learn from their experiences and build strong connections. Empowering women can have a huge impact on communities. When women are empowered, they often invest in their families’ education and communities, leading to healthier families and better nutrition.”
GIVE KNOWLEDGE
KANYANGE Charlotte, Rwanda – Acting Marketing Coordinator
“DelAgua goes beyond providing clean cookstoves we give knowledge. By training Community Health Workers on smartphone use and data collection, we empower them with new skills that strengthen their employability. From my experience, empowering women is equal to empowering the world! When we train Community Health workers, we are giving them skills not only on stove usage but also on smartphone use and technical skills, which improve their skills.
Seeing women confidently using technology and explaining how the TUBEHO NEZA stove reduces smoke in the households reminds me that the more knowledge I share, the more impact, gratitude, and growth I receive back.”
Find out more about the DelAgua Live Well programme in Rwanda, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
