Kenya-based Azuri Technologies, a pioneer in pay-as-you-go solar home solutions for off-grid Africa, has launched its Brighter Lives Initiative, aimed at bringing more rural women into the off-grid solar sector.
Azuri hosted its inaugural Women in Solar event at the British High Commission recently, where Azuri CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth launched the new initiative.
The company stated that the initiative will provide employment and training to 250 new female recruits.
According to Azuri, women currently make up 35% of its rural workforce in Kenya.
Bransfield-Garth added the company is committed to increasing female representation, with the objective that 50% of all new hires in 2020 will be women.
“At Azuri, we are committed to equality, fairness and respect and we recognise the solar energy sector offers women a source of well-paid employment with strong opportunities for career advancement,” explained Bransfield-Garth.
“We understand that empowering women brings huge benefits to our business and on the social front is critical to eradicating poverty and accelerating economic development.”
Azuri’s Brighter Lives initiative includes tailored recruitment specifically targeting rural women who are largely under-represented in the workplace.
The company pointed out that it will deliver an enriched training curriculum across its regional training centres, which offer a flexible working environment with additional guidance given on balancing work with family duties and unlocking financial services previously unavailable to them.
The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Jane Marriott said: “Today’s launch of Brighter Lives Initiative is a significant step towards supporting and tackling some of the barriers women face. I am confident this initiative will light the path for many more women to step up and change Africa’s future for the better.”
New recruits will be equipped with an Azuri Smartphone to help manage and track tasks and access learning and coaching tools. Female agents will also be invited to join internal social networks where they can connect with other women to learn, share and grow in their roles and responsibilities.
Azuri operates in five key territories namely Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda with its East Africa headquarters in Nairobi.
