We are thrilled to highlight the inspiring journey of Margret Yankin Mansaray, one of the 18 dynamic women entrepreneurs selected for the UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme. Margret is the visionary founder of Women in Energy Sierra Leone, a groundbreaking initiative that addresses energy poverty while empowering women.
Margret’s journey began in 2018 during her second year at Njala University, where she was studying energy studies. A pivotal moment in her life occurred when she witnessed a young girl facing unimaginable danger while collecting firewood. This harrowing experience opened Margret’s eyes to the vulnerabilities women face due to energy poverty. As the only female in her class, she recognized a significant gap and the urgent need for solutions that cater specifically to women.
Women in Energy Sierra Leone was born out of this necessity. The organization provides a safe space for women to learn about energy issues, equipping them with the knowledge and resources to transition to cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy alternatives. Margret’s commitment to her mission has been unwavering, and the support from the UNDP and Aurora Foundation has played a crucial role in her business’s growth.
To date, Margret has successfully received three tranches of funding from the UNDP. The first tranche enabled her to acquire essential equipment, including a biomass briquette machine, a water tank, and a wooden stacking rack, all of which are now installed and operational at her facility. This machinery is vital for producing sustainable energy solutions that cater to the needs of her community.
The second tranche focused on securing raw materials and inputs necessary for the production of smart green stoves and briquettes. Margret has made significant progress here, with procurement completed and production already underway. She has now recieved her final tranche, which will support the acquisition of essential testing equipment, production tools, and ISO certification. This certification is a critical step for Margret as it will allow her to expand her market reach, both within Sierra Leone and beyond.
In addition to financial support, Margret has benefitted from a series of training programs and bootcamps facilitated by the Aurora Foundation. These initiatives have equipped her with invaluable skills in goal setting, growth planning, financial literacy, marketing, and grant management. The comprehensive support structure provided by the Growth Accelerator Programme has empowered Margret to elevate her business and increase her production capacity significantly.
As we celebrate Margret’s accomplishments, we are reminded of the vital role women play in driving change within their communities. The work being done at Women in Energy Sierra Leone is not just about providing energy solutions; it’s about empowering women and fostering sustainable development.
We look forward to sharing more success stories and updates from our network of innovative women entrepreneurs. Thank you for your continued support.
