International Women’s Day Powering Tomorrow: Insights from My Sustainable Energy Journey

By: Amida Adiatu Bangura

My name is Amida Adiatu Bangura, from Sierra Leone, and I am a former STEM Trainee in the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Traineeship Programme. I hold a BSc Hons in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. My career in the Science, Technology, Mathematics & Engineering (STEM) field is driven by my passion for innovation and a commitment to addressing today’s energy challenges. On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate the power and potential of women to transform the energy sector.

Transforming Lives through Sustainable Energy

Through the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) STEM Traineeship Programme, I have the unique opportunity to combine my engineering background with practical experience in sustainable energy solutions. Motived by a desire to enhance my technical skills, gain real-world experience, and contribute to universal access to sustainable energy, I was particularly drawn to the program’s focus on empowering women in STEM.

I was deeply inspired by the program’s goal to electrify healthcare facilities. In Sierra Leone, the unreliable grid system often leads to power outages, which can have dire consequences for hospitals, including preventable deaths. The opportunity to help implement sustainable energy solutions that ensure reliable power for critical healthcare services was a major motivator for my participation.

The SEforALL STEM Traineeship Programme was a life-changing opportunity. It deepened my understanding of sustainable energy systems, enhanced my project management abilities, and improved my capacity to collaborate with professionals from diverse fields. I expanded my knowledge in distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar panels—which reduce reliance on the national grid and enhance energy security—as well as advancements in energy-efficient technologies. The hands-on workshops and training sessions have given me a wide variety of options to advance my career within the sustainable energy and climate sectors.

Enhancing Expertise for Empowerment

Our work as Trainees involved installing solar panels by ensuring they were free from shading and optimally oriented to capture sunlight. We conducted structural assessments to confirm roof integrity, mounted poles at calculated distances and depths for cable management, and installed inverters and batteries in secure, ventilated areas. The systems we worked on were configured to prioritize solar power, switch to battery storage during low sunlight, and use the grid only when necessary. Additionally, we integrated the solar system with existing setups using automatic transfer switches for a seamless transition between power sources.

Beyond technical skills, the program strengthened my leadership skills and self-confidence. The collaborative environment taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field. Engaging with peers and experts has not only inspired me to voice my ideas but also provided a strong sense of community and direction.

Memorable Experiences: Lighting Up Healthcare

One of my most memorable experiences was traveling to Kailahun for a solar panel installation at the Kailahun Government Hospital. This was my first visit to Kailahun Town in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province. Our work aimed to provide reliable electricity to a hospital isolated from the national grid. Witnessing the hospital staff and patients’ hopeful reactions after the initial phase of work was profoundly rewarding and reaffirmed my commitment to transforming lives through sustainable energy.

Another memorable experience occurred in February 2025 when I attended the Energizing Healthcare Conference, which was both motivating and enlightening. Experts, decision-makers, and practitioners gathered to discuss scalable solutions for ensuring sustainable energy access in healthcare facilities across Africa. Key discussions included the estimated $5 billion required to close the energy gap in healthcare, common challenges faced by African nations, and innovative financing strategies.

During my remarks at the conference, I highlighted my work as a STEM Trainee on the Healthcare Electrification Project in Sierra Leone. I discussed the technical aspects—network distribution, battery storage, and PV module installations—as well as the impactful outcomes that improved patient care. I also shared a personal story that drives my passion for this mission: the loss of a loved one due to a power outage at a government hospital.  This painful experience underscored the reality that most families face daily and the dire consequences of energy poverty in healthcare.

Women in STEM: The Future of Sustainable Energy

 My experience in the STEM Traineeship has empowered me to promote women’s participation in the STEM field. I am committed to advocating for and empower young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM, striving to achieve gender balance in the field.

To young people and women aspiring to enter the sustainable energy industry: never give up on your passion and have faith in your abilities. Sustainable energy is a field with opportunities for impact and innovation. Seek practical experience and networking opportunities—such as those offered by the SEforALL STEM Traineeship Programme—and surround yourself with peers and mentors who will challenge and encourage you.

Above all, never forget that your special viewpoint and talents are priceless for advancing sustainable energy.

On this International Women’s Day, let us honour the achievements of women in STEM and commit to a future where gender equality and sustainable innovation go hand in hand. Your passion, resilience, and creativity are vital for powering tomorrow.