Abdelnour, S; (2015) The Cookstove–Rape Prevention Myth and the Limits of Techno-saviorism. In: Hostettler, S and Gadgil, A and Hazboun, E, (eds.) Sustainable Access to Energy in the Global South Essential Technologies and Implementation Approaches. (pp. 205-215). Springer: Cham, Switzerland.

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Abstract

The field of humanitarian technology is rife with techno-saviorism—the promotion of technology as a panacea and not simply a technique of intervention. Humanitarian technology advocates, designers, and promoters uphold technological objects and interventions as having an incredible agency to solve complex social and environmental problems. A prevalent example is the promotion of improved cookstoves to address a number of complex global problems such as the negative health impacts of cooking, climate change, deforestation, and sexual violence in conflict zones. In this paper, I outline research that critiques the “stoves reduce rape” rhetoric, and discuss techno-saviorism in terms of improved cookstove myths, consequences, and gender inequalities. I conclude with reflections from discussions with scientists and humanitarian practitioners who design, test, market, deliver, and advocate for improved cookstoves.

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