Empower Women and Save Lives through Cookstoves

We are happy to be sharing this exciting report! In addition to generous supporters via GlobalGiving, we were able to secure funds to complete training sessions for 65 individuals in Tembaro Woreda, SNNPR! In total, the training benefited 8 local cookstove associations; more than originally planned. The training was conducted in partnership with four local experts and 58 potters and 7 local government officials participated in the training. Two days of training covered “Gonzye” stove production and three days of training covered “Mirt” stove production.

Both the Gonzye and Mirt stoves are high-efficiency designs that use locally available materials for production, demand significantly less fuel during use, and burn with zero to minimal smoke. However, the availability of these stoves has been insufficient in Tembaro Woreda and surrounding areas. Now the 65 newly trained potters are more knowledgeable and equipped to produce these high-quality stoves for their communities, and the local officials are knowledgeable to mentor and support their production. This capacity building and subsequent stove sales will greatly benefit the potters; one of area’s most marginalized groups.

As part of promoting clean cook stove use in the community, next WEEMA will purchase 300 newly produced clean cook stoves from the potters associations and distribute them to women identified among the poorest of the poor. The distribution will be coupled with education among women’s groups to raise awareness about the health and financial benefits of using the stoves. Women and children will have less smoke exposure in the household and save significant household funds and time due to the decreased amount of fuel needed. Clean cook stoves like these cost less than what the average local household spends on fuel in two months, as well as nearly eliminate the indoor air pollution that causes serious illness among pregnant women and young children.

Thank you for your support in making this important project happen! This is only the beginning and we look forward to continuing to support potters associations, clean cook stove promotion and women’s empowerment in SNNPR. To learn more about our cook stove activities and to follow our other ongoing projects, please visit weema.org and facebook.com/weemaintl.