As part of the WISE (Women in Solidarity for Energy) and LIGHT (Local Initiatives for Green Housing Transitions) projects, Lili Szücs, Sára Szabó, and Ana Stojilovska, from the Institute for Political Science, organized the “Energy Solidarity Days”, that were held throughout March and April 2026. They entailed small-scale concrete repairs provided in the homes of volunteer Budapest-based single mothers and a package that contained items that improve thermal comfort at home for women outside of Budapest or those in rented accommodation. The small-scale home repairs were carried out with the cooperation of a Budapest-based construction cooperative, Gólya Építők, and decisions were made together with the participants on the actual repairs. In the end, the following works were undertaken: putting up shelves, painting walls to repair water damage, changing a leaking tap, and repairing the main water valve. On the other hand, the packages were inspired by the WISE partner organizations, and contained the following items:

• extension cords
• LED bulbs
• window and door seals
• reflective foil for radiators
• water saving aerators for taps
• thermal curtains

The women sent a list of the items based on their preferences and needs, so the boxes were also personalized in this way.

Moreover, in March 2026, a visit to Baks was organized as well, where a meeting was arranged with members of the Fényhozók Alapítvány to discuss the support needed in their community. The CSS team also had the opportunity to learn about their work, which focused on PV installation in marginalized Roma communities, which helps families have access to electricity.

The experiences collected during the Energy Solidarity Days will be published in the upcoming Trust to Transition toolkit as part of the LIGHT project.

The Energy Solidarity Days were funded by the European Union (CERV program) and the European Climate Foundation.