By Michaella Faith Wright

In the bustling streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, women face a stark reality: the struggle for reliable electricity access is a daily battle. Amidst the vibrant chaos of urban life, the absence of consistent power supply presents a myriad of challenges for women across the city.

In Freetown, the unequal distribution of electricity infrastructure persists, leaving many women in urban areas grappling with limited access to reliable power. Despite being the economic hub of the country, Freetown still grapples with frequent power outages and infrastructure limitations, disproportionately affecting women’s ability to conduct business, pursue education, and manage household responsibilities effectively.

Safety concerns loom large in Freetown’s neighborhoods where unreliable electricity poses risks for women’s security. Darkened streets and poorly lit homes heighten the vulnerability of women to accidents and violence, especially during the night. Without adequate lighting, women’s mobility is restricted, limiting their ability to navigate the city safely and independently.

The impact on women’s health in Freetown is equally concerning, with unreliable electricity compromising access to essential healthcare services. In a city where healthcare facilities are already overstretched, power outages further exacerbate the challenges of providing quality care, putting women’s health at risk during emergencies and childbirth.

Economically, the struggle for electricity access hampers women’s ability to thrive in Freetown’s bustling markets and entrepreneurial landscape. Without reliable power, women entrepreneurs face hurdles in running businesses, accessing financial services, and leveraging technology for growth, hindering their economic empowerment and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

The environmental toll of unreliable electricity access is evident in Freetown, where reliance on alternative energy sources exacerbates environmental degradation and health hazards. The use of kerosene lamps and charcoal for cooking and lighting not only contributes to air pollution but also places a heavy burden on women who bear the responsibility of managing household energy needs.

Amidst these challenges, women in Freetown are resilient, navigating the complexities of electricity access with determination and ingenuity. From advocating for infrastructure improvements to embracing renewable energy solutions, women in Freetown are driving change and amplifying their voices in the pursuit of a brighter future.

In conclusion, the power struggles faced by women in Freetown underscore the urgent need for equitable and sustainable solutions to address electricity access in urban settings. By prioritizing gender-responsive policies, investing in infrastructure development, and empowering women as agents of change, Freetown can pave the way towards a more inclusive and electrified future for all its residents.

Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, April 24TH, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)