Centro de Documentación OLADE -

This document is the third in a series of four case studies that will be conducted in Central America under this initiative. Experience in Gender Inclusion in the Implementation of the Batzchocolá Community Micro Hydroelectric Plant in Nebaj, Quiché, Guatemala, highlights the results in terms of gender equality obtained by Semilla de Sol and the Hydroelectric Association for the Integral Development of Northern Quiche (ASHDINQUI), a non-profit social and community venture that began with the construction of the micro hydroelectric plant and oversees the operations and management of the plant, and its energy generation and distribution. This study describes the process of a program that began in 2009, to build and operate a micro hydroelectric plant to provide electric energy to three communities in the Department of Quiché, Guatemala, that did not have this service before. The study also details the main challenges encountered and presents the greatest impacts and outcomes obtained, along with lessons learned. This systematic study looks particularly at efforts to promote inclusion and women's participation in all aspects of the project, including decision-making and administration.