The EnDev project in its Grid Densification and Photovoltaic Systems components has included, since 2019, messages of NO to violence against women, an action well received by the national counterparts and the final recipients of the implementation.
Awareness-raising on issues of non-violence against women in the electricity sector has started with the directors and managers of the different electricity distributors and cooperatives in the country, who have been convinced of the importance of their support by approving the inclusion of the message not only on electrical materials but also on their invoices or consumption notes.
The message is painted on the electricity meter boxes that are delivered to distributors and rural electricity cooperatives throughout the country. In other materials or technologies the message is accompanied on stickers or on the printout itself.
With this measure implemented, the official help numbers are made available and directly known, so that women or families can receive assistance if they find themselves in a situation of violence.
Sandra Reyez, technical staff of SETAR, Tarija, comments:
"When they are given the boxes they are happy, the message of non-violence against women in the boxes has been very well received by many ladies. Many have commented that when people pass by, they stay to see the messages and read them, they go away thinking that this is already helping us a little to control the issue of violence against women and to avoid feminicides", (systematisation document on gender experiences, which EnDev Bolivia is preparing).
Awareness-raising on issues of non-violence against women in the electricity sector has begun with the directors and managers of the different electricity distributors and cooperatives in the country, who have been convinced of the importance of their support by approving the inclusion of the message not only in electrical materials but also in their invoices or consumption notes. The task of convincing them is not always easy or well received, but in most cases it has been positive and in some cooperatives the issue has been appropriated by some authorities.