Abstract
Women in the remote district of Humla in Nepal are largely responsible for organising and utilising traditional household energy sources and can benefit from access to improved energy services such as a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for basic indoor lighting. Solar PV lighting systems can reduce the time burden for collecting fuel, reduce indoor air pollution and reduce the risk of burns. However, local capacity for maintaining and repairing PV systems is essential for their continued operation in remote areas. This paper discusses the capacity development activities of a non-government organisation, Rural Integrated Development Services Nepal (RIDS-Nepal), within its holistic community development approach. Special attention is given to the influence of gender on capacity development.