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+263 78 922 2847Beyond the Bulb: Why Solar Power Hasn't Reduced Women's Unpaid Work in Rural Zimbabwe
Author: Ellen Fungisai Chipango (UJ) | Published: March 5, 2026 | Topic: Energy Justice & Policy
Zimbabwe’s 2019 renewable energy policy envisions a transition to green energy where women and men participate equally. But does the policy match the reality on the ground? New research from Zingondi, a rural resettlement area in Manicaland, reveals a stark truth: access to small solar gadgets is not enough to change traditional gender hierarchies.
The Test of Equality: While families in Zingondi utilize solar lanterns and small panels, women remain trapped in cycles of unpaid labor. This article explores why "Green Energy" is not automatically "Just Energy" and what can be done to fix it.
The Zingondi Landscape: Energy Access vs. Social Reality
There are about 39 households living in Zingondi. They are not connected to the national electricity grid.
Cooking Fuel
Primary reliance on firewood and biomass (crop residue). Small solar cannot power stoves.
Current Solar Tech
Most families use Solar Lanterns. Some have small panels to charge phones and radios.
Barriers: Why Green Energy Access Isn't Reducing Unpaid Work
Research identified four critical reasons why energy access did not equate to gender equality.
Small solar devices cannot power electric stoves. Women remain responsible for gathering wood and cooking in smoke-filled rooms.
Voice from the Community
"When I am cooking using semi-dried wood, no one can even enter the kitchen because of the smoke. It is like a prison cell!"
Men typically control the finances to buy gadgets and decide how they are used. Even if women save money (kusungirira mari muchiuno), they often cannot spend it on larger systems without permission.
The Power Dynamic
Solar gives men more power to control the home—dictating when light is used and where replacements are bought.
Instead of leisure, light at night often means more time for domestic labor.
No Rest for Women
"Having a light bulb (solar lantern) means more work to cover, not to relax. The reason is: I am a woman!"
Poorer households rely on cheap lanterns that overheat and break. Only families with remittances can afford quality appliances.
Financial Strain
Frequent replacement of low-quality solar lights places additional financial strain on women managing household budgets.
How Policy Can Do Better
To make the energy policy truly transformative, the government needs to move beyond a market-driven approach that excludes the poor.
Targeted Finance
Introduce targeted subsidies, micro-grants, or low-interest loans specifically for rural women to acquire robust systems.
Community Solar
Support community-shared solar schemes where resources are pooled, reducing individual financial burden.
Inclusive Training
Convene training in local areas where childcare is provided, ensuring women can actually participate and learn technical skills.
Quotas & Mentorship
Set quotas for women in renewable energy schemes and set up mentorship programs to strengthen women's leadership.
Sona Solar Supports Quality Energy
At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we believe in providing high-quality, durable solar solutions that empower families rather than burden them with constant repairs. Whether you need a robust Home System or reliable Pylontech Batteries, we are here to help.
Consultation: +263 78 922 2847
Location: Eastlea, Harare
Original article by Ellen Fungisai Chipango (University of Johannesburg). Published via The Conversation (CC BY ND).
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