International Women's Day: Jo backs life-saving Solar Cookers

3.29.00pm GMT Thu 8th Mar 2007

Solar Cookers offer a cheap, safe cooking solution for people in developing countries

Jo Swinson has marked International Women's Day today by urging the UK Government to promote the use of solar cooking technologies.

Solar cookers are a cheap, effective way to provide cooking facilities that are well suited to use in the developing world, especially in refugee camps.

Jo said:

"In the developed world, particularly in war-torn regions, fuel and cooking facilities can be difficult and dangerous to come by.

"Women and children often have no choice but to leave refugee camps in search of firewood. There is a grave danger that in doing so, they will be attacked, raped and killed by militia bands.

"A solar cooker can be bought for as little as 2 dollars. That's a very small price to pay to save our sisters from rape and murder.

"I am delighted to support the campaign to raise awareness about this simple, cheap device that will save lives. I urge the Government to get behind this worthwhile campaign and promote the use of solar cookers in the developing world."

Along with fellow Liberal Democrat MPs, Jo Swinson will sign the below letter regarding the benefits of solar cookers to be sent to Tony Blair:

The Rt. Hon Tony Blair MP

10 Downing Street

LONDON

SW1A 2AA

International Women's Day

Solar Cookers

We the undersigned urge the Government to investigate, promote, and encourage the use of solar cooking technologies in the developing world, especially in refugee camps in conflict-affected states.

Solar cookers are a win-win technology in sun-rich, fuel-scarce areas. Costing around $2 each, they reduce smoke and lung diseases as well as pasteurize unsafe drinking water. Perhaps most importantly, solar cookers have particular benefits for women living in refugee camps where leaving the safety of the compound to collect twigs for firewood often exposes them to rape and murder.

Yours Sincerely,

Jo Swinson MP

Related Links:

Solar Cookers.org

Sunspot.org

Engineers Without Borders UK