An essay awards ceremony honouring young women from learning institutions has once again sparked debate on the use of solar energy and gender equity in access to renewable energy sources.
The essay topic, "The Role of Young Women in Solar Energy," resonated deeply with participants from various schools and colleges, drawing 528 submissions. This highlighted the growing interest in renewable energy and the crucial contributions women can make in areas related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The competition also emphasized the potential for young women to take leadership roles in areas like solar energy, reflecting their capacity to drive innovation and sustainable development.
While the debate in Kenya and Africa as a whole has long been dominated by men, growing awareness of the need for diversity and inclusivity is beginning to reshape the renewable energy landscape.
The essay writing competition was initiated in June through a collaboration bringing together the French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia, sponsored by the ADESK, Alliance Française de Nairobi, and eKitabu. The competition aims to shed light on the incredible achievements of young women in TVET institutions, who have broken barriers and led the way in renewable energy, specifically in solar technology.
Inclusivity
The Awards Ceremony, held at the Alliance Française Auditorium in Nairobi on October 11, brought together professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the renewable energy landscape. The event served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for a more inclusive, sustainable future and was abuzz with excitement as young women in the solar energy sector were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
For over a decade, eKitabu has hosted the annual Digital Essay Competition (DEC), receiving over 18,000 essays. With the sponsorship of the French Embassy, this year DEC offered a special category with a special question: What is the role of young women in the Solar Energy Sector? Opened to young women and girls in Junior Secondary, Secondary, or TVET, with submissions accepted in English, Kiswahili, Art, Kenyan Sign Language, Braille, and French submitted at essaycontest@ekitabu.com.
Caroline Kalu, a winner from PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute and lead researcher at Ecowave Pioneers, highlighted the group's practical exploration of renewable energy during her presentation. “Being invited here motivates me to continue advocating for greater inclusion of women in the solar industry. The more we uplift women, the faster we can move toward a future where renewable energy is the norm.”
eKitabu CEO Will Clurman said young women played a pivotal role in shaping the future of renewable energy. “We have in this room the future leaders of sustainable energy, and your ideas and dedication are the driving force behind advancing women in solar and renewable energy in Kenya.”
Sheilah Lutta, from the Directorate of Special Needs under the Ministry of Education, shared her reflections on discovering a TikTok page dedicated to solar panel installation. "I realized I had done an injustice to my parents in Kitale. For 15 years, we have been waiting for electricity connectivity, which has been a constant challenge. This conversation couldn’t have come at a better time."
Lutta urged the young women present to continue investing in and researching solar and renewable energy. "Our role as women can no longer be denied. We know that when women decide to speak, they don’t look back; when they push an agenda, they don’t hold back!"
Innovation, Leadership, and Advocacy
Bernard Clouteau, the French Language Cooperation Attaché at the Embassy of France in Kenya and Somalia, highlighted the goal of the essay competition: to amplify the role of women in the solar energy sector through innovation, leadership, and advocacy while fostering discussions on gender equality in renewable energy.
"This is part of a larger initiative called ADESK, aimed at supporting solar energy development in Kenya," Clouteau said.
The event highlighted the immense potential young women have to shape the future of renewable energy in Kenya. Through their research, innovation, and determination, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future. The digital essay competition not only celebrated their achievements but also provided critical opportunities, with several participants being awarded scholarships to help further their studies and research in STEM fields.
This initiative sparked essential conversations around gender equality and the critical role of women in leading the transition to renewable energy as Kenya continues to explore sustainable solutions. Empowering women through education and providing platforms like this competition, ensures that their voices and ideas will play a key role in shaping the future, particularly in advancing sustainable development and environmental stewardship.