Problem
The Marshall Islands consists of 29 atolls and 5 islands, most of which are not electrified, have an unreliable energy source, and pay high fuel costs. In addition, income levels are low, and communities are extremely remote, with small populations, long distances between each atoll, and unreliable transportation.
The Marshall islands’ national climate plan aims to produce 100% renewable energy by 2050. As part of this, it includes a focus on training electricians, with a 2030 target and minimum proportion of at least 20% being women. In such a secluded area, local skilled labour and technicians are detrimental to its development. However, training on skills related to renewable energy, especially in Pacific Islands, was historically highly dominated by men, due to the strong structural barriers and gender stereotypes in the STEM field.
Considering its complex geographical challenges and gender issues, the Government of Marshall Islands is seeking to overcome the interrelated challenges of climate and gender stereotypes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to reach this goal.
Responses
IslandEco, a local social enterprise in Marshall Islands focused on renewable energy, started an initiative to train women technicians in solar energy systems since 2014. These women were trained to assemble, install, operate and maintain solar-powered lights, refrigerators and freezers on different islands, which were used to replace diesel generators in an effort to overcome fuel scarcity and unaffordable prices on remote islands. The project aims to engage young rural high school-educated women and train them in electrical and mechanical assembly and the commissioning of solar PV systems, and ultimately employing them as solar technicians.
As of 2015, 110 solar PVs have been installed on different islands by women technicians since the start of the project in 2014, in cooperation with the National Energy Office. By demonstrating women’s ability to perform well in the male-dominated energy sector, this project reportedly prompted the Government to include gender mainstreaming in the National Electricity Roadmap alongside the results and activities of this project itself. Another indirect effect of the renewable energy advancement cited is the increase of revenue-generating activities through the production and sale of refrigerated or frozen foods with longer shelf lives.