Women Champions in the Energy Sector

The organization focuses on providing clean, reliable, and sustainable energy through the distribution and sale of solar products, particularly in off-grid communities. Smiling Through Light's key vision is to ensure that women, girls, and communities have access to clean energy, with the ultimate goal of creating jobs and reducing poverty. Mariama's interest in the energy sector began in 2011, when she returned to Sierra Leone after nearly two decades abroad. She was struck by the widespread use of kerosene lamps and candles, which she saw as a relic of the past. This experience inspired her to establish Smiling Through Light, which has since trained over 1,000 individuals across the country on clean energy access. The organization uses storytelling as a unique approach to engage and educate local stakeholders, and has effectively prompted discussions around key stories and clean energy concepts. Smiling Through Light has also made significant contributions to the development of Sierra Leone's energy sector. The organization was a key player in pushing for renewable energy to be a key component of the country's energy future, and lobbied the government for five years through DFID's Power4All initiative. In 2016, the Sierra Leonean government became the first country to sign the Energy Compact Agreement, which opened the space for renewables and included commitments to electrify 1 million homes with solar products by 2020. Mariama's commitment to empowering women in the energy sector is evident in her approach to business. All sales agents for Smiling Through Light are female, and 80% of the organization's staff and leadership are comprised of women. Mariama believes that women are more effective in this field, particularly in terms of communication and community mobilization. She also emphasizes the importance of women playing a role across the whole value chain, from product design to strategy development. Smiling Through Light has also been recognized for its sustainable business practices and commitment to changing the narrative around doing business in Africa. Mariama notes that the organization's experience dispels the notion that there is corruption, no bookkeeping, and laws are not followed in Sierra Leone. Instead, Smiling Through Light has established a sustainable business model that is changing the story from negative to positive. Mariama's advice to young women with an interest in the energy sector is to be change agents and pursue their passions with confidence. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and not listening to negative noise. With her dedication and commitment to empowering women and promoting clean energy access, Mariama Kamara is a true champion in the energy sector.