Empowering the Next Generation: The Progress of the Women in Clean Cooking Mentorship Program
The third cohort of the Women in Clean Cooking (WICC) Mentorship Program brought together an impressive and diverse assembly of early-career women. This initiative by the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA), Sustainable Energy for All, and the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition has become a flagship opportunity for women seeking connection, empowerment, and leadership in the clean cooking sector.
This year’s program included a vibrant group of 90 early-career women from across 18 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. They brought fresh perspectives and entrepreneurial mindsets, fostering thought-provoking and forward-thinking discussions about clean cooking. This group’s diversity has not only enriched the group’s learning experiences, but also showcased the critical role of inclusivity in the sector.
[ Read experiences from last year’s second cohort of WICC participants. ]
Over the past six months, these aspiring leaders embarked on a transformative professional journey. Through knowledge transfer webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and networking opportunities, they honed their communications skills, expanded their knowledge about the clean cooking industry, and built their confidence.
Mercy Masanga is a 25-year-old WICC Program mentee from Tanzania, who works as an associate advisor in the sustainability sector with a team specializing in clean cooking. “My mentor played a pivotal role in guiding me toward realizing my potential and instilling in me a commitment to prioritize sustainability in all my endeavors,” she explained. “This mentorship journey exemplified the reciprocal nature of learning and growth, where both mentor and mentee are empowered to inspire positive change.” She added that the program helped her uncover opportunities in the carbon credit business, contributing to creating green job opportunities, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups like youth and women.
For Granny Lesiamang, a 30-year-old mentee from Botswana who runs a clean cooking startup called Clauseph Biofuel, the program was very comprehensive. “It was a wholesome experience, and the various workshops were insightful and gave perspective for an entrepreneur in the sector. Though the engagements were great, connecting with my assigned mentor is what truly contributed to my development and the development of our business,” she said. “My highlight was meeting my mentor, who works for CCA and has a vast knowledge of financing. That has, for a long time, been a gap in our company, and having her guide me through financing applications, reviewing our proposals, and getting us connected to financiers and other people in the clean cooking sector has been instrumental.”
For young women, participating in the WICC Mentorship Program is more than just an opportunity for individual growth: it’s a step toward achieving universal access to clean cooking. Through the skills they acquire, they can position themselves as future leaders who can address the challenges facing the clean cooking sector. By bringing unique ideas and solutions to the table, and with their newfound networks, they are poised to make a significant impact on environmental sustainability, health, and gender equality.
Concepta Ojwang, a 31-year-old mentee from Kenya, said the program prepared her to make a greater impact in her country. “Being a mentee in the WICC Mentorship Program has been a transformative experience for me,” she said. “I have expanded my professional network, honed my leadership skills, and learned from seasoned professionals in the energy sector. Engaging with women in energy has been particularly enlightening.” Through her work with the venture Keyo Technovation, which produces affordable, clean, and efficient gasifier stoves, Ojwang aspires to be a leader in the energy field, working toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 on universal access to clean and affordable energy.
The WICC program highlights the importance of supporting and investing in the next generation of women leaders. As these remarkable women continue to grow and make their mark, they inspire hope for a future where clean cooking is accessible to all, driven by the innovation and determination of women leaders worldwide.
