The Renewable Energy for Rural Livelihood (RERL) is funded by Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). RERL supports AEPC to promote renewable energy systems such as mini hydro, large micro hydro and large solar PV systems in a manner that builds equitable and gender inclusive modalities for development and operation of renewable energy projects in Nepal.

RERL approach ensures that women and men from marginalized communities benefit not only from access to electricity but also from productive end uses. To achieve this, RERL supports women owned and managed micro financing activities, and electricity operated businesses including technical training for women.

RERL/AEPC has assigned SW Nepal (Scott Wilson Nepal/SWN) to carry out analysis of the effectiveness of RERL supported activities at the community level through gender perspective as applied on the following five projects:
i. Microfinance activities at Simrutu Khola Mini Hydropower Project (MHP)
ii. Commercial operation of Simli MHP
iii. Commercial operation of Darna MHP
iv. Access to modern energy services through Santhal solar mini grid project
v. Energy for health initiative at Snake Bite Treatment Centre

The main objective of the assignment is to carry out analysis of the effectiveness of RERL supported activities at the community level through a gender lens. Specific objectives include analysis of gender inclusive modality implemented at the community level, assessment of gender mainstreaming, preparation of case studies and offer policy recommendations for improved gender mainstreaming.

SWN undertook the following activities to meet the above objectives:
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with project beneficiaries including women group, user group and cooperatives
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with representatives of Local Government, cooperative management, Nepal army, micro hydro powers, solar grid projects, and micro finance companies
• Limited number of household surveys with beneficiary households

SWN delivered comprehensive report on ‘Analysis of the effectiveness of RERL supported activities at the community level through Gender perspective’ including recommendations to address policy gaps as well as to mainstream and integrate gender in the renewable energy sector.