Breaking the myth that science and technology careers are for men
On 5 October 2026, the KYA Foundation launched the fifth edition of its solar photovoltaic maintenance training for young women: nine new beneficiaries, two months of theory and hands-on practice.
The KYA Foundation, the social arm of KYA-Energy Group, is pursuing its commitment to the empowerment of young Togolese girls and women.
On Monday 5 October 2026, it officially launched the fifth edition of its training programme in solar photovoltaic system maintenance. Nine new beneficiaries have been selected to take part in this programme, which aims to break the myth that careers in science and technology are a male preserve.
The launch ceremony, held at KYA-Energy Group headquarters in Lomé, brought together the KYA Foundation's Board of Directors, members of the executive committee, KYA-Energy Group staff and the young trainees, now ready to take on the technical challenge.
A simple finding: too few women in technical fields
This initiative, led by the KYA Foundation for several years, responds to a simple but worrying finding: women remain under-represented in technical and scientific fields.
"We noticed that few women take an interest in technical careers, particularly in science and technology. That is why the KYA Foundation runs these training courses: to give young women a foundation in science and technology, and to show them that they too can work as technicians on photovoltaic systems."
These are the words of Mrs Sylvie SHIKPE AKPAGNON, Executive Director of the KYA Foundation.
Two months of theory and practice
Through this programme, the Foundation seeks not only to provide a professional qualification but, above all, to change mindsets by proving that solar energy careers are not reserved for men.
Over two months, the nine beneficiaries will follow a full curriculum combining theory and practice. Supervised by seasoned, experienced trainers, they will learn advanced techniques for maintaining solar photovoltaic systems. This field immersion is designed to secure their employability at the end of the course.
For Mrs Tchasséma Essossolim, one of the beneficiaries, hopes are high:
"Through this training, I would like to gain skills and find employment."
More than 55 women already trained
The impact of this initiative speaks for itself. Since the programme began, the KYA Foundation has trained more than 55 women, who now work for several solar energy companies in Togo.
Better still, some of them have been hired directly by KYA-Energy Group, a testament to the quality of the training and to employers' confidence in it.
