Engineering Her Own Path:
A CONVERSATION WITH
REJOICE
NTIRIWAA

Rejoice Ntiriwaa is an engineer, researcher, and lecturer

at Cape Coast Technical University in Ghana, focusing on bioenergy, renewable energy systems design, and alternative cooking fuels. She received the Clean Cooking Alliance’s 2022 Women Leaders Award in Policy, Advocacy, and Research.

Q: What inspired you to work in clean cooking technologies and climate change?

A: I always loved the thrill of finding solutions to problems within my scope. Growing up, I watched my great-grandmother and grandmother use firewood on earth stoves to make meals in Effiduase Koforidua, in the eastern region of Ghana. Every morning, they would prepare the clay stove for the day’s activities by dressing it with mud, which took about 45 minutes. Occasionally, my grandma would ask me to help with the dressing, a task I detested with all my being. It was, therefore, a concern in the back of my mind since childhood.

My great-grandmother underwent eye surgery when I was 3 years old to treat a cataract brought on by smoke emissions. What would have happened to her if she had not been able to pay for the procedure at the time?

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My Ph.D. allowed me to synergize my newfound technical knowledge and skills, my childhood dislike for dressing earth stoves with mud, and my great-grandmother’s surgery into more realistic and industry-relevant research.

“The fact that a woman may gradually face death while working to feed her customers and to support herself and her family did not sit well with me.”

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I also realized that, in addition to financial constraints, cultural factors, and educational attainment, a lack of awareness about improved cooking options played a significant role in discouraging women from using modern cooking solutions. This discovery gave rise to my advocacy, which has completely changed my life and, I hope, is also changing the lives of many other women.

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Q: How does clean cooking empower women?

A: Improved access to modern cooking energy services has significant social and cultural implications. Women who use clean and reliable energy sources for cooking are better able to participate in economic activities and engage in education and skills-building opportunities.

Moreover, energy access enables women to actively participate in decision-making processes at the household and community levels, leading to a more inclusive and equitable society. Addressing energy poverty can pave the way for women's more empowered and equal future.

Furthermore, their empowerment and knowledge have a cross-generational impact because almost every child’s first point of contact is likely to be their mother or another female figure; it is natural for children to grow into a product of their environment. As a result, when they grow up, their kitchen may reflect “Mama’s kitchen.”

Q: What influenced your career choices in clean cooking?

A: My forward-thinking parents and support systems understood the importance of education and the prerequisites for early childhood development. I have always loved to fiddle with gadgets. So, the logical nature of these games and my parents’ empowerment contributed to my natural affinity and inclination toward engineering. I found out in recent years about a study that outlines the role these games play in the cognitive domain of girls in engineering as opposed to girls who were exposed only to dolls.

“Cooking issues are predominantly women’s issues.”

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Q: How can more women be encouraged and empowered to transition to clean cooking solutions?

A: Diverse cultures and traditional meals call for varied cooking methods. If we want to accelerate access, we should avoid employing a one-solution-fits-all approach. Governments and funders could also support initiatives and businesses engaged in high-efficiency technologies.

Investing in individuals with technical expertise and knowledge about cooking energy and its related benefits, via advocacy and awareness creation at the grassroots level, would be an excellent way to boost women’s confidence and continuous involvement in the sector. They can act as ambassadors, primarily focusing on science communication and awareness raising.

Q: What advice would you give to girls and women considering careers in clean cooking?

A: Staying in this field requires a lot of mental fortitude, grit, and self-awareness, meaning that mentorship must continue throughout one’s career. When you are new in the field, you should find a mentor who speaks to your aspirations, and when you are more experienced, you should help others navigate their career paths.

“It behooves me to brighten the corner where I found myself. I may not be able to replace their stoves for them, but I can show them better options and educate them on the adverse effects of their fuel and stove choices.”

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At the same time, because we are the largest group affected by the harmful effects of dirty energy, let us continue doing our share to facilitate a smooth energy transition. No matter what stage of the clean cooking value chain you are at—policy, design, manufacturing, sales, usage, finance, advocacy, philanthropy, or research—be aware that your contribution is important. At every level, it counts.