Locations200 women’s groups to receive solar freezers from UNDP.
June 20, 2024
A group photo of womens groups with dignitaries in Kenema after the handover of the solar freezers.
UNDP Sierra Leone has started the nationwide distribution of solar freezers to almost two hundred women's groups across the country, in a bid to support their economic empowerment and improve their livelihoods.
The women who grapple with energy supply to store their fish, can now do so with solar freezers for longer periods, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and increasing their income.
Solar freezers have been districted to women’s groups and cooperatives from Moyamba, Pujehun, Bonthe, Bo, Kenema, Kono, Kailahun Districts. The remaining districts will all receive their share of the freezers.
Speaking at three ceremonies, attended by representatives of the women's groups, government officials, and UNDP officials, the Resident Representative of UNDP, Mr. Fred Ampiah reiterated our commitment to gender empowerment, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
"This initiative is part of our efforts to support women's economic empowerment, and a improve their livelihoods. We believe that by providing access to renewable energy, we can help reduce poverty and inequality, and promote sustainable development”, he said.
Fredrick Ampiah , UNDP Resident Representative speaking at the handover of the solar freezers in Sulima, Pujehuni District.
UNDP transferred the title of assets to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Speaking at the handover ceremonies, Minister Princess Dugba alluded UNDP for supporting women in fisheries and aquaculture sectors, noting the distribution of the freezers resonates with the Governments BIG Five Game Changers strategy.
Madam Princess Dugba , Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources displays the transferred title of assets with together with Fredrick Ampiah, Resident Representative of UNDP Sierra Leone.
Tanzila Watta Sankoh the Team Leader, Sustainable Growth Cluster of UNDP observed the handover of the solar freezers is a significant milestone in UNDP's efforts to support women's economic empowerment in Sierra Leone. She also noted, the initiative, is to promote economic empowerment, sustainable development and mitigate climate effect.
Madam Tanzila Watta Sankoh , Team Leader, Sustainable Growth Cluster of UNDP speaking at the handover of the freezers in Kenema.
To promote the sustainable management of the freezers for economic growth, UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, and SEND Sierra Leone will provide financial management training, support the establish two credit unions, enhance their skills and knowledge for value addition, promote networking among the women and strengthen social protection. Easy Solar Sierra Leone, will provide technical support to the women's groups on maintaining the freezers.
UNDP anticipates, the support will harness the potential of women and communities in contributing to Sierra Leone’s blue economy; increase the women’s access to green energy and access to finance.
Village Savings and Loans Association members from Sulima singing and dancing at the handover ceremony.
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