WFWP Mali Empowers Women Through Solar Lamp Distribution: "One Woman, One Lamp"

By Catherrine Diarra

From May to July 2025, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Mali spearheaded a transformative Climate Action Project under the theme: “Let’s Improve the Living Condition of Women Through Solar Lamp – One Woman, One Lamp.”This impactful initiative aimed to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and energy poverty by equipping women and their families with clean, renewable light sources.

Over the course of three months, WFWP Mali reached more than 500 women.Many areas in Mali still experience limited or no access to electricity, leaving women and children vulnerable to poor lighting conditions that hinder education, economic activity, and safety. This project provided a simple but powerful solution—a solar lamp for every woman—enabling beneficiaries to carry out household duties, support their children's studies, and even engage in small-scale income-generating activities after sunset.

The project was more than a distribution campaign. WFWP leaders and volunteers hosted community gatherings, awareness sessions, and climate education workshops to raise consciousness about renewable energy and sustainable living practices. Participants were educated on the environmental benefits of solar energy and how to maintain the lamps effectively for long-term use.One participant shared, “Before the solar lamp, we used candles or kerosene which were expensive and unsafe. Now, I can work on my crafts at night, and my children can study without risking their health.”

A Step Toward Climate Justice and Gender Equality

WFWP Mali’s initiative aligns with the broader mission of WFWP International to promote peace, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability. By investing in clean energy and prioritizing women’s needs, the project contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).The success of the “One Woman, One Lamp” campaign is a testament to what can be achieved when grassroots efforts are combined with practical solutions. WFWP Mali plans to continue expanding this project to reach even more communities, lighting the way to a brighter, more sustainable future—one woman, one lamp at a time.