In this day and age men are still largely seen as the traditional profile of a successful entrepreneur whereas women starting their own businesses are viewed poorly by societal stereotypes. Sierra Leone is immersed in a patriarchal system that affects the social, legal, political, religious and economic sectors due to conservative cultural and religious beliefs. There is a power dynamic problem that arises due to men occupying positions of ownership and control of production, and women occupying marginal positions. For example, women account for less than 20% of elected positions in Sierra Leone. This power unbalance places men in the critical role of enabling women’s economic empowerment. Smiling Through Light is prepared to challenge this as a women-led business looking to alter cultural norms.
Over the past years, there has been a lot of positive movement towards legislation surrounding women’s rights and supporting women in business. Nonetheless, women still face many challenges both economically and socially when it comes to developing their careers. There are structural barriers such as the gender wage gap and other sexist regulations that repress women and do not allow them to fulfil their full potential. The denial of women's rights is still prevalent in Sierra Leone leading to the discrimination of women in education, employment and political participation.
At Smiling Through Light, we strongly believe that for society to progress effectively gender equality is essential, especially women empowerment. For Smiling Through Light empowering women means challenging gender norms in the renewable energy sector by placing women at the forefront of our business and giving them the opportunity and support to become clean energy leaders. We equip local women from Sierra Leonean communities with the necessary tools to thrive in the industry and develop their proficiency and confidence to further their future careers. By guaranteeing women access to formal employment, finance, property, health benefits and higher levels of education, we will improve their livelihoods and inevitably advance sustainable development. It is a known fact that women in Sierra Leone have always been fundamental to the economy and to the subsistence of their families.
This International Women's Day, Smiling Through Light is aiming to raise funds to support the women in our local communities. International Women’s Day “marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity”, as a women-led business we support this message. IWD 2021 is promoting the hashtag #ChooseToChallenge, we are determined to challenge to enable a solar revolution that will transform the lives of millions of women and girls. If you would like to help support our cause or learn more about our mission, please visit our Go Fund Me page or website to help us continue to fight for women empowerment in Sierra Leone.
Go Fund Me Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/qywgb-smiling-through-light-iwd-fundraiser?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
