Barefoot College International helps Accelerate Action via impactful training programs

Women-focused non-profit Barefoot College International provides impactful training programs for women, who then amplify the impact of their training through returning to their own communities to train further women to train others. 

Barefoot College International helps change the lives of people in rural communities around the world, supporting women to develop skills, gain knowledge, and grow in confidence.

For International Women's Day, Barefoot College International amplified the voices of women who have benefitted from the organization's support, such as the inspiring work of one of its Ivory Coast "Solar Mamas". 

"Solar Mama" Sara from Ivory Coast [pictured above] single-handedly installed 208 solar home lighting systems in 5 remote rural villages for marginalized families, directly helping around 1,450 people.

“Each time that I succeed in properly installing a home lighting system for a family, they begin to respect and depend on me despite my gender. I know I have become a role model for my community. I remember the very first time I turned the light on in my village...because all of the children began to dance," says Sara.

For women like Sara, and the more than 3,500 women Barefoot College International women trained in solar engineering, the organization pledged to Accelerate Action and lead the way for gender equality.

Discovering the value of financial freedom

Babaly, from Kivalo, Madagascar, has become a confident woman leader in her community since her training at Barefoot College International in Madagascar. 

“I’ve discovered the true value of financial freedom. But I’m not going to stop there: I’m going to share this essential knowledge with the women of my community, by training them on things such as sewing," said Babaly.

Inspiring women in her community

Through valuable educational opportunities, Barefoot College International provides women with tools to carve their own entrepreneurial paths to help Accelerate Action. 

Uliza Sheha Haji is a Beekeeper from Tanzania who trained at the Barefoot College Zanzibar campus. Today, she makes additional income with ease on the side of her daily obligations, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring women in her community.

“All things against me, Barefoot College International helped me stay confident in my ability to empower myself. This opportunity gave me the boost I needed to provide for myself and for my growing family. Barefoot in three words: Training, Empowering Women and Generosity," explained Uliza.

Training further women via trailblazing programs

International Women's Day also saw Barefoot College International pledge to expand the impact of its training programs to help Accelerate Action for global gender equity.

"According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 (roughly five generations from now) to reach full gender parity. Society doesn't have that much time to wait - the need to achieve equality for women is urgent. That means we must make drastic solutions-based changes now to ensure a brighter future for women everywhere. Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality," said Barefoot College International. 

"Every Barefoot solar engineer, ENRICH graduate, and micro-entrepreneur is a powerful force for global change and gender equality. They're the stars of Barefoot College International. Our work in our regional centers has established a ground-up effort for women's empowerment that is proven. Now, we need to heed the words of the International Women's Day organizers who write, One of the best ways to forge gender equality is to understand what works and to do more of this, faster," continued Barefoot College International.

"In the next year, we aspire to train another 250 women at our centres in our trailblazing programs, each of whom on average train and impact another 3 women in their own villages - that's a potential 750 women. This direct impact from women's empowerment reaches the goal as stated: Doing what works, faster. We can Accelerate Action and spur the rise of women as global leaders in rural communities. Take your action. Donate to accelerate the accomplishments of the women of BCI for IWD 2025," said the College.

Empowering women with skill development

Barefoot College International has designed new ways to nurture and support a journey to empowerment, one woman and one village at a time. Barefoot College International demystifies and decentralizes technology and puts new tools in the hands of rural and marginalised communities, with the objective to spread self-sufficiency and sustainability.

With a geographic focus on the world's least developed countries, Barefoot College International works in a decentralised way through a series of regional training centres to train rural women as solar engineers, entrepreneurs, and educators. These women then return to their villages to bring clean energy, learning, and economic and social empowerment to their community. By providing rural women with accessible training, Barefoot College International ensures that knowledge benefits communities for generations.

"The adoption of solar energy reduces fossil fuel usage, alleviating health issues while providing light for education and livelihood activities. This holistic approach improves the quality of life and fosters sustainable progress. Empowering women with skill development and opportunities leads to better health, job market competitiveness, and resilience, contributing to economic growth and a more prosperous, resilient society," commented the College.

"Our mission is to make vocational and educational opportunities accessible to women and girls from the most marginalized communities around the world. We believe providing these opportunities to women is the solution to ensuring long-term climate, economic and social resilience for rural communities globally," added the College.

Help women become global leaders

In solidarity today with women worldwide, and in support of the urgency to do more work faster, consider donating to donating to Barefoot College International. 

Help the organization truly Accelerate Action and spur the rise of women as global leaders in rural communities globally.