As the world marks International Women’s Day, GUYSOL is spotlighting its groundbreaking initiatives designed to empower women in technical fields, particularly within the renewable energy sector.
Through a series of projects, GUYSOL is advancing its solar farm development and paving the way for women’s economic independence in underrepresented regions. In an exclusive interview with Chitra Singh-Samaroo, GUYSOL’s Social Management Specialist, the News Room delves deeper into the company’s development initiatives and the remarkable impact they are having on women in Regions 2, 5, 6 and 10.
This year, 2025, marks the beginning of the full-scale implementation of GUYSOL’s development initiatives. Intending to build eight solar farms across the aforementioned regions, GUYSOL aims to generate 33 MW of renewable energy by 2026. However, the company’s focus goes beyond renewable energy generation; it is equally committed to the social development of local communities, with a particular emphasis on empowering women.
“I’m pleased to say that 2025 is a year of implementation where we’ve started with our developmental projects,” says Singh-Samaroo. “First, we launched the Solar Job Workforce programme, targeting 50 women from our project regions. This programme aims to provide them with comprehensive technical training, particularly in electrical engineering and solar panel installation.”
Chitra Singh-Samaroo, GUYSOL’s Social Management Specialist
GUYSOL’s Solar Job Workforce Confidence programme is a dynamic five-week training course designed to equip women with practical and theoretical skills in solar energy. Singh-Samaroo explains the dual nature of the programme, “We’re providing these women with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The idea is that after five weeks of training, they’ll be prepared to take on real-world jobs in the solar industry.”
Participants will not only gain essential technical skills but also receive a study stipend for the duration of the course. However, GUYSOL’s support doesn’t end there. Following the training, the company is offering an eight-month apprenticeship programme, ensuring the women continue to develop their skills while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.
“We are linking these 50 women to jobs within their region so they can practice what they’ve learned during the training,” Singh-Samaroo adds. “The programme doesn’t stop with the apprenticeship. We’ll continue to support them through a digital platform, where they can ask questions and get feedback from their instructors, ensuring they continue to grow in their technical skills.”
Employees of the GUYSOL project
The overarching goal of GUYSOL’s initiative is not only to train women but to provide them with the opportunity to build a sustainable career in a technical field, fostering long-term economic independence. Singh-Samaroo highlights the importance of this approach: “Women are underrepresented in technical fields, and our initiative is aiming to change that. By empowering women in renewable energy, we’re offering them a chance for better job prospects and economic independence.”
This effort is supported by the Norway-Guyana agreement and is administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The programme, which focuses on developing the technical capabilities of women, is a vital part of GUYSOL’s broader mission to support sustainable energy solutions in Guyana while fostering gender equality in the workplace.
In addition to the Solar Job Workforce Confidence programme, GUYSOL is also taking steps to include women within its own operations. The company recently launched its second batch of energy apprenticeships, and for the first time, this batch consists exclusively of women. Singh-Samaroo proudly shares, “This year, we’ve brought on five women, each with a unique background, including those living with disabilities. They will be shadowing our core team across various departments, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the renewable energy sector.”
Singh-Samaroo emphasises, “It’s such a positive coincidence that these initiatives are launching just as we celebrate the contributions of women globally. We’re excited to support these women and provide them with the tools they need for a successful career in the renewable energy sector.”
GPL’ GUYSOL currently has a CALL FOR APPLICATION from women for the Training + Apprenticeship Program scheduled to close by March 18, 2025
Terms of Reference: https://bit.ly/GUYSOL_WOMEN_TOR
Application form: https://bit.ly/GUYSOL_WOMEN
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