GREEN CHURCHES, BRIGHT FUTURES: How Mwangaza Light Empowers Women and Ignites Climate Action Across

Africa

By Peter Kinuthia Murimi

Deep in the heart of Kenya, where golden warmth from the sun covers huge landscapes, a remarkable coalition of empowerment, sustainability, and faith is subtly transforming the very fabric of communities. Mwangaza Light, a women-founded and women-led social enterprise, stands as a beacon of change, weaving a narrative of hope and resilience across the tapestry of Kenyan churches. Their mission, echoing from the pulpit to the farthest reaches of congregations, is to transform not just energy access but the very essence of community life.

As the rays of dawn touch the spires of churches in partnership with Mwangaza Light, a profound journey unfolds. This article embarks on an exploration of Mwangaza Light's groundbreaking initiatives, delving into the core of their Green Churches framework. Here, environmental stewardship is not just a concept; it is a living, breathing force for change. It is about women stepping into leadership roles, communities embracing clean energy, and the intersection of faith and sustainability fostering a new era of climate action. From the bustling congregations of the Anglican Church of Kenya to the tranquil landscapes of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Mwangaza Light's impact is palpable. Join us on a journey through their initiatives, where each tree planted is a symbol of commitment to climate action, where the pulpit becomes a podium for change, and where sustainable energy illuminates the path to a brighter, more resilient future. This is the story of Mwangaza Light—a story that goes beyond sustainability; it is a tale of transformation, one church, one woman, and one community at a time.

CHARTING A COURSE FOR CHANGE: CATRINE SHROFF EXPLORES THE INTERSECTION OF CLEAN COOKING, CLIMATE ACTION, AND EMPOWERMENT

In an exclusive and illuminating encounter, the Responsible Citizen Magazine had the rare privilege of engaging with the visionary force behind Mwangaza Light, none other than the dynamic CEO, Catrine Shroff. This opportunity arose organically, sparked by the compelling narrative of her relentless efforts in championing clean cooking as a catalyst for both mitigating the climate crisis and empowering women at the grassroots level. At the core of their mission is the unwavering commitment to forge sustainable communities, an ambition that aligns seamlessly with our publication's dedication to promoting responsible living and conscientious citizenship.

Catrine Shroff's endeavors transcend the ordinary; they are a testament to the transformative power of merging environmental consciousness with grassroots empowerment. Mwangaza Light's role in not just lighting up homes but kindling a flame of positive change for our planet and its inhabitants. At the heart of Mwangaza Light's operational ethos lies a resolute commitment to steering the world toward sustainability, aligning its pursuits with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a laser focus on clean energy solutions, the organization pioneers transformative initiatives in clean cooking and solar panel provisions, fostering a paradigm shift toward renewable and eco-friendly practices. Mwangaza Light stands as a vanguard of climate action, recognizing the urgent need to combat environmental challenges.

Their multifaceted approach extends beyond mere energy provision, actively contributing to the establishment of sustainable communities. Through a robust framework of women empowerment initiatives, Mwangaza Light not only addresses gender disparities but also integrates women as key drivers of sustainable change. Partnerships lie at the core of their strategy, acknowledging that collaborative efforts amplify impact. In essence, Mwangaza Light's operational tapestry weaves together the threads of clean energy, climate resilience, women's empowerment, and collaborative partnerships, illustrating a clear-cut and unwavering pursuit of sustainability. As they illuminate pathways towards a cleaner, more equitable future, Mwangaza Light exemplifies the transformative power embedded in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.

CASTING A GREEN NET: MWANGAZA LIGHT'S VISIONARY COLLABORATION WITH RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

In the expansive landscape of sustainable initiatives, Mwangaza Light NGO emerges as a catalyst for change, forging unique partnerships that transcend religious boundaries. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Catrine Shroff, the organization strives to cast a wide net, initiating conversations with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya—an inclusive platform representing Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. Mwangaza Light's collaborative efforts extend particularly to mission-based Episcopalian churches, where a well-defined structure from the archbishop down to the village level ensures effective outreach.

A notable alliance has been formed with the Anglican Church of Kenya, propelled by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit's steadfast commitment to nurturing a green movement. The NGO's innovative approach involves collaborating closely with clergy members to amplify awareness from the pulpit, followed by empowering congregants through training. This unique model not only fosters a green ethos within the church but also extends its reach beyond, creating a ripple effect of environmental consciousness and access to clean energy solutions within communities at large. Mwangaza Light's narrative is one of unity, where diverse faiths converge under the shared mission of building a sustainable, harmonious future.

As such, it is clear that in the noble pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, Mwangaza Light NGO stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. With a profound commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, the organization has managed to proudly partner with religious organizations and churches, weaving together the threads of eco-theology and sustainability. Mwangaza Light believes that their products extend beyond mere eco-friendliness; they embody a sacred responsibility to the planet and its people. In this holistic approach, the NGO envisions a future where clean energy not only illuminates spaces but also lights the path towards a cleaner, safer world for generations yet unborn. It is in this harmonious interplay of faith, sustainability, and innovation that Mwangaza Light finds its purpose, casting a luminous glow on the journey towards a brighter, more conscientious world.

A PAN-AFRICAN ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY CONSERVATION

By Lorraine Kinnear

Conservation efforts globally have undergone a significant shift in perspective, acknowledging the pivotal role that Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs) play in preserving biodiversity and fostering sustainable ecosystems. For centuries, IPs and LCs have acted as custodians of vast stretches of land, utilising traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and a profound connection with nature to sustainably manage their environments.

Recently, recognition of their intrinsic role in conservation has gained momentum, marking a paradigm shift from exclusionary conservation models to inclusive approaches that prioritise the rights, knowledge, and participation of these communities.

In Africa, active engagement and dialogue aim to explore the indispensable contribution of IPs and LCs in conservation efforts. One such pivotal conversation took centre stage at the inaugural Community-led Conservation Congress. This ground-breaking Congress, held in Windhoek, Namibia, in October 2023 under the theme "We are nature, and nature is us," was marked by insightful discussions, lived experiences, and critical reflections on the challenges and lessons surrounding community-led conservation initiatives. Participants reviewed the preliminary findings of a forthcoming study on community conservation in Africa and charted the course for the newly formed Alliance for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities for Conservation in Africa (AICA).

With over 300 representatives from 47 African countries, including Indigenous Peoples, local communities, governmental bodies, donors, and NGOs, the event highlighted the collective effort to forge a strategy centred on community-led conservation across Africa. AICA’s discussions and recommendations were distilled into a signed communique echoing a resounding call for a rights-based conservation agenda, drawing attention to the crucial role IPs and LCs play in shaping sustainable development in Africa. The event, co-hosted by AICA and Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) in collaboration with prominent organisations, such as the Community Leaders Network and the Namibian Association of Community-Based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations, was graced by esteemed guests, including the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and APAC Patron, H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, and Namibia's Deputy Minister for Marginalised Communities, Hon. Royal Johan Kxao IUiloloo.

The Congress spotlighted the growing unity and coordinated efforts among African communities, emphasising women and youth empowerment within these groups to champion their land and livelihood rights. Participants highlighted the necessity of building inclusive institutions like AICA that are rooted in community representation rather than being influenced solely by certain individuals in society. This engagement was built upon the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ priorities and strategies initiated at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Africa Protected Areas Congress held in Rwanda in July 2022. The former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and APAC Patron, H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, opened the event with these remarks: “Having taken the time to read through the impeccable Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities declaration at APAC and the recent strategy that you all played a part in putting together, I am reminded of the immense power custodians of our land hold in leapfrogging us to the next level and redefining what sustainable development means for Africa.”

The esteemed guests and speakers at this event stressed the importance of inclusivity in conservation policies, emphasising the mantra "nothing about us without us." The event urged a fundamental shift in the prevailing conservation narrative away from the neo-colonial fortress model, advocating for placing people alongside nature at the core of conservation efforts.

“We should apply consultation, participation, and representation to every conservation policy because nothing about us without us. The rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities must be protected, celebrated, and respected,” echoed the Deputy Minister for Marginalised Communities of Namibia, Hon. Royal Johan Kxao IUiololoo.

The Congress attracted not only IPs and LCs but also policymakers and representatives from regional and international conservation organisations, signifying a broad spectrum of support for this paradigm shift. Entities like the Christensen Fund pledged support, stressing the interconnection between land rights, environment, and culture in their conservation initiatives.

Celebrating the diversity and representation from different organisations, the Executive Director of ReGeCom, Jose Monteiro, noted, “This gathering was a sign that communities in Africa are in this together and working towards speaking with one voice. We need to build an institution that is not elite captured but built from the bottom up, that is AICA.”

Further to these remarks, RRI's Africa Program Director, Patrick Kipalu, emphasised the Congress as a platform where communities led the discussions, signalling a crucial departure from past injustices and human rights violations. There was a collective call to work collaboratively with governments and policymakers to ensure a departure from historical injustices and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

AICA’s interim Chairperson and CLN representative in Malawi, Malidadi Langa, called this Congress a celebration of community-based conservation and urged African governments to change the dominant conservation narrative by putting people at the centre alongside nature. He then noted, “As IPs and LCs, we have every reason to celebrate community-based conservation because, from time immemorial, we have effectively conserved forests, ecosystems, and biodiversity through collective ownership, traditional governance, and ecological knowledge systems which continue to this day.”

Looking forward, RRI plans to publish a comprehensive study in 2024 on community-led and rights-based conservation approaches in Africa, underlining the pivotal role of secure tenure for communities in sustainable conservation practices. AICA and its partners are set to establish mechanisms to implement the Congress's outcomes at national and regional levels, while continually updating data to inform ongoing and future conservation discussions. Moreover, the Congress is set to be a triennial event, with the next edition scheduled for the Central African region. It will also serve as AICA's engagement platform for future IUCN international conferences around protected areas, showcasing the enduring commitment to fostering community-led conservation initiatives on the continent.

AICA has highlighted the indispensable role of IPs and LCs in conservation. These communities have a significant role rooted in centuries of stewardship, deep-rooted knowledge, and an unbreakable bond with nature. Their historical custodianship has been instrumental in sustaining ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and fostering harmony between humanity and the environment. Today, the acknowledgment of their significance in conservation efforts marks a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era of inclusive, participatory approaches that prioritise the rights, wisdom, and active engagement of these communities.