It was a sunny day in Kaduna State, Nigeria, as 400 women gathered at a local community center, eager to receive a gift that would change their lives forever. The Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) had partnered with the Kaduna State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to distribute clean cookstoves to these women, and the excitement was palpable.

As the women waited, they shared stories of their struggles with traditional cooking methods. Many of them had spent years cooking over open fires, inhaling smoke that had taken a toll on their health. Some had even lost loved ones to smoke-related illnesses. But today, they were about to embark on a new journey, one that would bring them better health, more time, and a chance to contribute to a more sustainable future.

The founder and Programme Director of WISE, Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, took the stage to welcome the women and explain the importance of the clean cookstoves initiative. “We are here today to empower you, to give you the tools you need to take control of your health and your environment,” she said. “These clean cookstoves are not just a gift, but a symbol of our commitment to a more sustainable future for all.”

As the women received their cookstoves, they were also educated on how to use them effectively. They learned about the dangers of smoke inhalation and the benefits of reducing carbon emissions. They were also trained on how to maintain their cookstoves and troubleshoot any issues that might arise.

One of the beneficiaries, Asibi Hassan, was overjoyed with her new cookstove. “I used to spend hours cooking over an open fire, inhaling smoke that made me feel sick,” she said. “But with this new cookstove, I can cook faster and healthier. I’m so grateful to WISE and its partners for giving me this gift.”

Another beneficiary, Hauwa Magayaki, echoed Asibi’s sentiments. “The clean cookstoves initiative has empowered us to take control of our health and environment,” she said. “We’re not just cooking for our families, we’re contributing to a more sustainable future for all.”

As the day came to a close, the women left the community center with their new cookstoves, eager to start their journey towards a healthier and more sustainable life. The Kaduna State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abubakar Buba, was on hand to congratulate the women and emphasize the importance of the initiative.

“This is a win-win for families and the environment,” he said. “By reducing the use of firewood for cooking, we can reduce the rate of deforestation and mitigate the impact of climate change.”

The distribution of clean cookstoves was just one part of WISE’s larger mission to promote sustainable living in Nigeria. The organization had already distributed over 60,000 clean cookstoves and mobilized and trained more than 1,860 clean cookstove entrepreneurs and advocates across the country.

As the women returned to their homes, they were filled with a sense of hope and possibility. They knew that they had the power to create a better future for themselves and their families, and they were grateful to WISE and its partners for giving them the tools they needed to make it happen.

The story of the clean cookstoves initiative in Kaduna State is just one example of the impact that can be made when individuals and organizations come together to promote sustainable living. It’s a reminder that even the smallest actions can add up to make a big difference, and that together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.