SolarAid welcomes Cherie Blair as patron

SolarAid is proud to welcome Cherie Blair as patron as we team up with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women to train our growing network of women solar entrepreneurs in East Africa.

The Foundation is supporting SolarAid's successful micro-franchise model Sunny Money, which has been developed to reach millions of people quickly and effectively. The programme will focus on increasing economic opportunities for women in Western Kenya and Northern Malawi. The projects provide employment opportunities for women franchisees, offering tailor-made training, support, marketing and access to solar materials.

Mrs Blair said: Women are often excluded from the formal labour market, from access to resources such as adequate financial services, land or simply from making their own choices. I support organisations that focus not only on poverty alleviation but on wealth creation by enhancing women's business skills, networks and access to financing.

Indeed, women in Kenya and Malawi continue to enjoy less opportunities, benefits, treatment and remuneration compared to their male counterparts. Women entrepreneurs are often prevented from running competitive businesses by their relatively low education and skill levels, which limit their access to the various support services.

SolarAid Executive Director Nick Sireau said: We're extremely pleased that Mrs Blair is joining the SolarAid team as patron. She brings a commitment to the cause of women entrepreneurs and a level of support that is exceptional.

Cherie Blair meeting women entrepreneurs in Kenya. April 2009.

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women strengthens the capacity of women entrepreneurs in countries where they lack equal opportunities so they can start and grow their businesses. The Foundation accomplishes this by working with local partners to provide women with access to business development, networks and finances.

For more information, go to: www.cherieblairfoundation.org