Ms. Youngor T. Flomo was one of the first women in her field of renewable energy in Liberia. She started as an office assistant for Energising Development (EnDev), and she is now an assistant technician. In this role, she travels to all the different counties in Liberia and assists in installing solar panels at schools and hospitals. Ms. Flomo also founded Women in Renewable Energy in Liberia, WiRE – Liberia, in 2019. This group provides women in Liberia a platform to learn and operate in the renewable energy sector. Emergi’s Saida Wolff sat down with Youngor to talk about her exciting journey.

Hi Youngor, thanks for having time today to speak with us. I saw your pictures standing on a rooftop to install solar panels. That is really impressive!

- Youngor laughs out loud -

I used to be petrified of heights. I stuck with it though, because if I wanted to install solar roofs I had to either overcome my fear or give up!

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And giving up wasn´t an option? Why was it so important for you to continue doing your work?

I started with EnDev about 6 years ago. I was an intern, doing all kinds of work around the office, mainly handling paperwork. Then I became an office assistant and worked still mainly in the office. Soon after that, I got the opportunity to learn more about renewable energy.

It meant that I was able to join field trips and could learn first hand how installations work and saw what a massive impact renewable energy can have! It was a huge step for me to be able to train again.

I was very curious and wanted to grow and learn. Thus my curiosity outweighed my fear, not only of heights but also of failing. And guess what. Now my favourite part of the job is climbing up that ladder and standing on a roof.

– Youngor laughs out loud - 

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You seem to love your job and are often on the road to do installations, how did you find the time to start WiRE - Liberia? 

I started the group last year because I realized that women in the renewable energy sector in Liberia were very underrepresented. So I thought to myself, this needs to change. We focus on giving training about entrepreneurship and basic knowledge and information about renewable energy. Through EnDev we have the opportunity to send 2 or 3 women from WiRE - Liberia to learn how to do the solar installations that are being developed. The network is now in the process to grow from an active collective into a registered organization. I think it is very important for women to work together and get comfortable with new challenges!

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Are the members of WiRE - Liberia familiar with renewable energy?

Some are, others are not. It can be quite challenging to navigate the different levels but so far we are growing and learning from each other. Maybe that is because we are continuously challenging and empowering each other. Our motto is “Empowering for a bright future”!

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You are very passionate when you talk about WiRE – Liberia.

I love being part of changing perspectives.

You know, growing up, there is often a cultural bias that tells us hard jobs, jobs that require travel, any kind of labor work and especially technical things are not for women. But I saw that I can do this job! It has nothing to do with whether you are a man or a woman, rather it is dependent on the opportunities you are given and what you decide to do with them.

WiRE-Liberia is a great example against these stereotypes and strengthens women to think of themselves as capable workers in the renewable energy sector and in general! If you can do this, why wouldn't you be able to do all the other things that society told you not to do? 

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So the sky's the limit?

- Youngor laughs -

Or the rooftop! Yes, and to spread the message we need everyone to recognize the benefits of renewable energy as a reliable energy source. Not having access to energy is such a show stopper in this country. With renewable energy we can conserve our natural resources and protect our environment. 

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What are your goals for the next few years?

We want to see a recognizable share of women operating in the renewable energy sector. I would love to see women not only as representatives for organisations but also starting their own businesses and work independently!

Women are key contributors to the economy, so of course, we should also be a key group that offers services. 

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We have talked about women in the renewable energy sector, what do you think about Emergi´s plan to include female e-kekeh drivers?

It would be very impressive to see female drivers. I think people would love it. I have never seen a female driver, nor do you see electric kekehs in Liberia, so it would be a double novelty. It will be good marketing as well, everyone will be talking about the women driving the new e-kekehs!

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What other renewable energy projects would you like to see Emergi initiate?

I would love to see Emergi investing in solar powered irrigation systems to improve the harvesting conditions on farms in Liberia!

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We, we will see, as you said, the sky is the limit! Thanks a lot for your time and the work that you do, Youngor! 

Thank you and stay in touch!