Across Guyana, women are stepping into new opportunities in the renewable energy sector, gaining practical skills, confidence, and career pathways through the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL) programme.
The national initiative supports the development of eight utility-scale solar farms while also delivering structured training and apprenticeships in areas such as solar installation and system design. Central to the programme is its focus on inclusion, with targeted efforts to ensure women are actively involved in a field traditionally dominated by men.
By combining infrastructure development with skills training, the programme is helping to build both a cleaner energy future and a more inclusive workforce, while opening doors for women to pursue technical careers and entrepreneurship.
For many participants, the experience has been life-changing.
Wynette Richards said she discovered an unexpected passion for electrical work through the training.
“I never knew I would have fallen in love with current, dealing with current. It’s a great experience for me, and I love it,” she said, adding that she hopes to use her knowledge to benefit her community.
For Shania Richardson, the programme has provided both technical expertise and business inspiration.
“I’ve learned how to size systems, understand components, and how to price them,” she said. “With the knowledge I’ve gained, I plan to start my own business later in life.” She also pointed to the confidence-building aspect of the training as a key takeaway.
Meanwhile, Khaleda Khan, a stay-at-home mother, described the programme as a major personal milestone.
“This is the first time I have been out of the house since my child was born. It was a major step out of my comfort zone, but it was an amazing experience for me,” she said.
Dozens of women have already completed training under GUYSOL, with many linked to employment opportunities at solar project sites across the country. Officials say the initiative is not only expanding Guyana’s renewable energy capacity, but also ensuring women are firmly part of the country’s transition to a greener future.
Shania Richardson
