Strengthening the Gender and Energy Network of Swaziland, 2010

ENERGIA supported the Renewable Energy Association of Swaziland (REASWA) through seed funding for activities aimed at launching the Gender and Energy Network Swaziland (GENS) in 2010. The main focus of the program was the launching of the network and the formation of a Steering committee. Beyond that the program included activities aimed at increasing awareness for the network through dissemination of gender and energy awareness through media, workshops and engagement with stakeholders.

Key objectives:

  • Introduce the national gender and energy network to various stakeholders and to formalize the network by selecting members of a national network Steering Committee.
  • To raise awareness on gender and energy through the media.
  • Provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss issues on  gender and energy and also forge  a way forward for the national network.
  • Follow up on action plans developed by participants at the national training workshops conducted in 2008 and 2009 respectively
  • To formulate terms of reference for the network steering Committee and to plan for activities that will publicize and raise awareness on the Network and the activities it undertakes.
  • To promote and raise awareness on the national network prior to its launch.

Key results:

  • Steering Committee for the national network selected, and 3 Steering Committee meetings held.
  • 6 new members joined the network.
  • 2 articles about gender and energy published in the Swazi Observer.
  • Four quarterly network newsletters published.     

Lessons learned:

  • It is important to involve members when planning activities that will need their participation.
  • Involvement of network members has led to the increase in membership.
  • Partnerships with other organizations increase the chances of securing funding to carry out activities on gender and energy and makes it possible to decentralize activities to more communities and regions.
  • The establishment of the national network Steering Committee has helped strengthen the network in terms of coordinating activities that network members are currently involved in.

REASWA Seedfunding Final Report[1] Swaziland 2010 - Download