This post honors strong women worldwide, especially the resilient
women of Sub-Saharan Africa who face daily
challenges due to limited energy access.
For over 15 years, Solar Jooce has developed frugal and innovative energy solutions, working with tight budgets and sometimes with next to nothing. This following series of posts will feature practical, tested solutions to help communities navigate energy challenges.
Wangari Maathai (1940–2011) – A Legacy of Empowerment
Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist, political
activist, and Nobel laureate, founded the Green Belt
Movement, focusing on tree planting, environmental
conservation, and women’s rights. Her achievements
include:
✔ First African woman to win the Nobel Peace
Prize (2004) for contributions to sustainable development,
democracy, and peace.
✔ First woman in East and
Central Africa to earn a Ph.D.
✔ Kenya’s
Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources
(2003–2005).
✔ Led the planting of over 50
million trees, helping combat deforestation and climate
change.
“I Will Be a Hummingbird” – A Lesson in Resilience
Maathai often shared the Japanese tale "I Will Be a Hummingbird," which teaches the power of small actions in overcoming challenges. In the story, while a forest fire rages, large animals stand by, helpless—except for a tiny hummingbird, tirelessly carrying drops of water to fight the flames. When questioned, it simply replies, “I am doing the best I can.”
Maathai used this story to inspire people to take action, no matter how small, in addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Solar Jooce: Frugal Innovation in an Uncertain World
Inspired by pioneers like Maathai, Solar Jooce remains committed to low-cost, high-impact power solutions in the face of economic hardships.
Our key strategies include:
✔
Imperfect Substitutes – Utilizing available
resources creatively..
✔ Repurposing & Recycling
– Giving new life to existing materials.
✔ Adapting
to Shrinkflation – Maximizing value in challenging
economic times.
✔ Sachet Sizing & Portability
– Providing solutions in small, affordable units.
✔Portability:
Creating easily transportable energy options.
✔ Minimum
Viable Products (MVPs) – Prioritizing functionality over
perfection.
Our solutions are designed for regular
people, by regular non-technical
people, providing practical ways to overcome energy
limitations. Our goal is to:
🔹 Help millions at the
base of the energy ladder climb the first rung.
🔹
Prevent the middle class from falling into energy poverty.
🔹
Offer lifeboats, not luxury liners—keeping as many people
afloat as possible.
We fondly call our innovations “Chiedu’s Make-Do’s,” embodying the spirit of resilience and resourcefulness. Stay tuned for more practical, affordable energy solutions.
