Improved cookstoves make life easier for women

Notes to broadcasters

The presence of HIV/AIDS increases women’s work in many ways. If their husbands have died, women must take on additional farm work. Many women also take care of orphans or other family members who have been left homeless. They might also be caring for someone with the chronic illness at home. There are always funerals and community events to plan and attend – and all of these take time.

The following short spots show that if women replace their cooking fire or three-stone stove with a more efficient cookstove that burns less wood, they will not have to spend so much time each day collecting firewood. More efficient cookstoves mean less work for women.

There are different types of improved cookstoves. They can be made of clay, dried mud, or metal. They might burn firewood, dung, charcoal, or coal. In some African countries the cookstoves are made and sold by women’s collectives like Maendeleo ya Wanawake or by Jua Kali groups. Some common cookstove names are, “Anagi,” “Lorena” and “Magan Chulha.” In many African countries the “Kenya Ceramic Jiko,” “Kuni Mbili” and “Upesi” cookstoves are popular.

Before you play these spots you may want to find out which cookstove alternatives are available in your area, where they are sold, and the price. Then you can incorporate this information into each spot.