Mayan Power and Light

Challenge

For many women in Guatemala, the post-pandemic era has meant no job and no unemployment benefits or other protection. Mayan women face even higher obstacles to overcoming poverty due to gender-based discrimination, social norms, disproportionate involvement in unpaid work, and unequal access to education, healthcare, and property (ILO, 2019). Energy poverty, contaminated water and deforestation are major concerns for this group where an alarming 75% live in poverty.

Solution

MPL promotes sustainable solutions to poverty led by women, breaking gender norms about technology, business and leadership. The program integrates major concerns like cost of electricity, waterborne diseases and deforestation by making solutions available for low-income people. We raise awareness and access to simple, appropriate technologies that improve health and help people end poverty. We design new technologies that bring economic opportunity to individuals, families and communies.

Long-Term Impact

Green technologies like water filters and solar power will be available to everyone, improving public health and reducing pressure on the environment. Encouraging small business and women's economic participation provides the next generation's health and education. With solar, families save money once spent on candles and kerosene lamps. Kids, particularly girls, stay in school longer. Local economies become more resilient in the face of increasing natural crises.

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources

• https:/​/​www.apptechdesign.org/​mayan-power-and-light
• The Appropriate Technology Collaborative
• Mayan Power and Light Website
• Appropriate Technology Collaborative Facebook Page
• ATC Wikipedia Page