In Zimbabwe, simple, eco-friendly technology opens opportunities for more time, income and empowerment for women.

The fuel-efficient stove in Ntombizodwa Mapfacha’s dirt courtyard in Mwenezi District, Zimbabwe, doesn’t look like a life-changing piece of technology. It looks like a 2-foot high, round metal can.
 
Nevertheless, this sturdy stove not only cooks a traditional, family-size meal of sadza (thick cornmeal) and beans. It also is empowering Mapfacha and other women in Mwenezi District.
 
No longer does Mapfacha have to walk six miles every other day to find firewood in the mountain, where she is wary of poisonous snakes and men who could take advantage of her in the remote area. The new stove cooks with just a few pieces of wood and dried corn cobs, which she can gather close to home.
 
“Empowerment is giving voice, giving opportunities for people to choose what they want to do,” Pugeni says. “Even to speak out for themselves confidently, access information. Explore the talents that they have.” Read more at https://mcccanada.ca/stories/powerful-change-technology-can-bring
 
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