International Women's Day - 8th March 2007

5.20.59pm GMT Thu 8th Mar 2007

Solar cookers could be a valuable asset to women in the developing world

In connection with International Women's Day the Liberal Democrats are urging the British Government to investigate, promote, and encourage the use of solar cooking technologies in the developing world, especially in refugee camps in conflict-affected states.

Lynne Featherstone MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for International Development said:

"There is a danger for women and children who often leave the refugee camp in war afflicted countries in search of firewood for cooking. Many of them are attacked, raped and killed by militia bands. You can get a solar cooker for as little as 2 dollars. That's very little to pay to save our sisters from rape and murder."

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said:

"I am delighted to support this campaign promoting such a simple cheap devise that saves lives. I hope the government will take on this simple cooking devise. It has to be the answer in the short-term.

"Solar- cookers save lives."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The below letter regarding the benefits of solar cookers will be sent to Tony Blair.

The Rt. Hon Tony Blair MP

10 Downing Street

LONDON

SW1A 2AA

International Womens' 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.

Signed:

More information on solar cookers can be found through:

http://solarcookers.org/ - Solar Cookers International

http://www.ewb-uk.org/ - Engineers without borders UK

http://www.sunspot.org.uk/ - Sunspot