A. M. 
Alonso Zuniga / Photographer / Producer
AES El Salvador, together with the Instituto Salvadoreño para el Desarrollo de la Mujer (ISDEMU) and the Superintendencia General de Electricidad y Telecomunicaciones (SIGET), graduated 103 women as Electrician Technicians. With this training, the graduates will be able to start or work in the electricity sector and, most importantly, will promote a genuine transformation in the industry, contributing to a more inclusive labor supply.
The graduates obtained technical knowledge that enables them to perform residential electrical installations in a reliable and safe manner. In addition, for the first time, they had the opportunity to receive a specialization in Installation and Maintenance of Air Conditioning Systems, which broadens their skills and allows them to offer comprehensive solutions in a constantly evolving sector.
This program goes beyond training electrical technicians; its objective is to empower women to become agents of change in their communities. The graduates not only acquired technical skills, but also the confidence to contribute significantly to the inclusive economic development of the country.
Ilsia Gutiérrez, a young electrician who graduated from the 9th graduating class, has defied traditional stereotypes, becoming a pioneer of a change that promises to brighten the future of many women. “Many times I’ve been told I’m going to burn out. People find it strange to see a woman electrician. They also ask me if I’m afraid of electricity, and I always answer: no, I’m not afraid of electricity, I love my job!
Today, her work has not only made her a reference in her community, but has also inspired other young women. Wendy, a 20-year-old, is her apprentice. “The first time llsia took me to work and started teaching me I really liked it. I admire her for all her knowledge and I want to become like her to become a woman electrician”, said Wendy, who is looking to join next year’s Electrical Technician training courses.
A partnership to expand employment opportunities
In addition, this year, in partnership with the Skills for Employment Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the participants had the opportunity to complement their skills and technical knowledge with an additional specialization, either in Design and Assembly of Photovoltaic Systems, or in Automation for the Control of Electric Motors, thus expanding the curriculum to meet the growing challenges of the labor market and increase their competitiveness.
Nine years of economic inclusion for salvadoran women
The technical training courses for electricians run by the AES Mujer program began nine years ago. Since then, 45 courses have been given and 883 salvadoran women have received technical training in electricity. Many of them have been able to find employment in the electrical industry or have successfully started their own electrical installation companies.
With each electrical installation, each solar panel or air conditioning system they install, these women not only improve their quality of life and that of their families, but also build, together, a more inclusive energy future for El Salvador.
