A Fuel-Efficient Stove to prevent Rape and Murder of Women

Xinhua reports from Copenhagen the launch by the U. N. on Wednesday, December 16, 09, of a pilot project to provide fuel-efficient cooking stoves to millions of women in Sudan, Uganda and other 36 nations. The Safe Access to Firewood and Alternative Energy (SAFE) stoves are expected to cut the risks of murder, rape, and other violence girls and women face in gathering firewood to cook food for their families. U N Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at the occasion that thanks to technology the SAFE stoves will provide environmental protection, improved safety for women, access to clean energy for the poor, and enhanced climate security. World Food Programme (WFP) and other U N agencies are funding this project which is expected to roll out the stove by next year. Indeed, a small step for technology, but a big boost for women and environment! (Source: The Hindu, December 18, 2009)