Orange SL, the leading telecommunications company, remains committed to keeping the people of Sierra Leone ahead with the latest technologies along with superior network quality.
Orange SL also has been offering affordable mobile network services to Sierra Leoneans and has been fully compliant with their corporate social responsibilities.
In fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities, on Friday, 22nd March, 2024, Orange SL sponsored or supported Women in Renewable Energy in Sierra Leone aimed at formulating policies and regulations to promote gender equality in the energy sector.
The Executive Secretary in Renewable Energy Association, Golda Williams, said the Renewable Energy Association Sierra Leone (REASL) wanted to increase women’s participation in sustainable development, adding that is the reason behind what they are doing and why they are doing their best to increase women’s participation in the energy sector by 2030.
By 2030, Madam Williams said they want to see women technicians and engineers whose participation in the energy sector will increase energy generation, storage and distribution in Sierra Leone.
She said for gender equality to empower women in Renewable Energy is key, noting that 85 participants have undergone training and there is a need to empower women in the energy sector.
She assured that women’s participation in the energy sector in Sierra Leone is limited and encouraged women to build a formidable force and advocate for one another. She said their participation in the energy sector can go a long way.
The Chief of Party USAID and Power Africa funded Power West Africa Energy Programme, Adaku Ufere, said they are operating in 23 countries in Africa including Central Africa.
According to her they are based in Ghana, Accra under the West Africa Programme (WAEP).
Madam Ufere said they are operating in 23 countries in West and Central Africa to achieve their goal of expanding the supply of and access to clean, affordable and reliable electricity in West African countries.
She said it is an idea to empower women in and across the energy sector and to recognise their contributions.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ndiy Coroma, said it clear that the strategies employed thus far to unleash energy across the country and continent have saddened the sector, adding that the rising debt, cost of renewable energy and costly power supply are shifting economic developments.
She said energy is a critical enabler for development with potential to encourage growth in key sectors including agriculture, information, communications and technology, health, education among others.
She said, ‘When we will talk about job creation and its emphatic impact on poverty reduction, economic development vis-a-vis the economy and increasing household income in the country, the affordability is a key driver of job creation both in the production and retailing of energy, and enterprises and businesses that will grow as a result of having sustainable and affordable access to power.’
The president of the Renewable Energy Association Sierra Leone (REASL), Mucctarr Turay, welcomed the gathering.
Mr. Turay said the theme of the conference is “Empowering women and energising women in sustainable development goal”.
He said the theme itself will immensely contribute to the country’s development as it marks a significant journey in gender equality and sustainable development goal. The president of REASL assured that empowering women in the sector is an integral part of economic development and gives them great hope.
He encouraged women to actively participate and assured them that ‘together we can energise Sierra Leone’. The Father of Renewable Energy, Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, also made a meaningful contribution and encouraged women’s participation in the sector.