NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Azuri Technologies,
a pioneer in pay-as-you-go solar home solutions for off-grid
Africa, has launched its Brighter
Lives Initiative, aimed at bringing more rural women into the
off-grid solar sector.
Azuri hosted its inaugural Women in Solar event at the British
High Commission last night, where Azuri CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth launched the new
initiative. The initiative will provide employment and training to
250 new female recruits.
Women currently make up 35% of Azuri's rural workforce in
Kenya. Azuri's CEO said the
company is committed to increasing female representation, with the
objective that 50% of all new hires in 2020 will be women.
"At Azuri, we are committed to equality, fairness and respect
and we recognise the solar energy sector offers women a source of
well-paid employment with strong opportunities for career
advancement," explained Azuri CEO Simon
Bransfield-Garth.
"We understand that empowering women brings huge benefits
to our business and on the social front is critical to
eradicating poverty and accelerating economic development."
Azuri's Brighter Lives initiative includes tailored recruitment
specifically targeting rural women who are largely
under-represented in the workplace. The company will deliver an
enriched training curriculum across its regional training centres,
which offer a flexible working environment with additional guidance
given on balancing work with family duties and unlocking financial
services previously unavailable to them.
The British High Commissioner, Jane
Marriott said, "Today's launch of Brighter Lives Initiative
is a significant step towards supporting tackle some of the
barriers women face. I am confident this Initiative will light the
path for many more women to step up and change Africa's future for the better."
New recruits will be equipped with an Azuri Smartphone to help
manage and track tasks and access learning and coaching tools.
Female agents will also be invited to join internal social networks
where they can connect with other women to
learn, share and grow in their roles and
responsibilities.
Through a partnership that commenced in 2018, leading consumer
goods company Unilever's Sunlight Brand will also add a boost to
this initiative and reinforce its synergy with Azuri. The two firms
came together to bring solar to millions of off-grid homes across
Kenya, offering modern goods and
services to enhance family life.
Justin Apsey, Unilever East
Africa CEO, commented, "Unilever welcomes Azuri's Brighter Lives
Initiative as we expand our Azuri-Sunlight partnership in rolling
out renewable energy and sustainable solutions that respect gender
equality. By creating and supporting opportunities for women in
society and the economy, there couldn't be a better way to lead in
creating a brighter future for all Kenyans as we turn the world
into a more prosperous place to live for everybody."
The Brighter Lives Initiative also boasts a Mentorship Programme
that supports women in developing their leadership potential.
Azuri's Women in Solar Event, hosted at the British High
Commission in Nairobi, was
attended by representatives from the off-grid solar industry who
heard from women directly benefiting from off-grid solar, be it
through employment opportunities, or freedom to enjoy other
activities.
Azuri has been operating in sub-Saharan Africa since 2012 and
has sold more than 200,000 systems to date.
In Kenya alone, Azuri has
already invested around KES 2Bn to date with access to a further
KES 2Bn in debt funding.
About Azuri Technologies Ltd.
Azuri Technologies is a leading provider of affordable
pay-as-you-go solar home systems to off-grid consumers across
Africa. Combining the latest solar
innovation and mobile payment technology, Azuri delivers reliable,
renewable and distributed power to the millions who have no access
to modern powered services. Azuri operates in five key territories;
Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda with East Africa Headquarters in
Nairobi, Kenya and West Africa
Headquarters in Lagos,
Nigeria.
For more information, please visit:
www.azuri-technologies.com
Media contact:
Gina Ghensi
Azuri Technologies Ltd.
gina.ghensi@azuri-technologies.com
+44-(0)7769-875422
Media contact:
Bansi Vara
Azuri Technologies Ltd.
bansi.vara@azuri-technologies.com
+254(0)7335-55370