Star-Light: Smart Street lighting for safety and security to women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa.

Partners: Open Energy Labs

Country: Zambia

Technology: Next generation solar technologies and business models

Stage: Early

Stage: Round 10

Good public lighting contributes to citizens feeling safer and can help reduce the risk of gender-based harassment and violence. Cities across sub-Saharan Africa are often dimly lit due to factors including inefficient street lighting, financial challenges and deficient operation. Star-Light solves these challenges by using solar power and offering affordable, flat-pack streetlights that are easy to assemble. The lights feature motion sensors, and its LEDs are 79% cheaper than regular incandescent SLS. This means that the technology conserves energy and lasts 45,000 hours.

This project plans to demonstrate the relationship between streetlighting and gender-based violence in Zambia and sub-Saharan Africa. In doing so, the project hopes to ensure the safety of residents, especially women.