Fixing futures: Laylyn Toa on building skills and equality through solar energy

As part of our Women in Power series, we are celebrating the remarkable leaders driving the Pacific and Timor-Leste’s clean energy transition.

In the sun-drenched islands of Vanuatu, where traditional gender roles often shape career paths, Laylyn Toa is quietly leading a shift in how communities view energy, opportunity and women’s leadership.

A proud Ni-Vanuatu woman from Ambae Island, Laylyn recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. At just 28, Laylyn is already breaking barriers as Project Manager for the Fixim Sola project. It’s part of the Business Partnerships Platform’s off-grid renewable energy partnership led by the University of New South Wales, in collaboration with the Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association, Vanuatu Institute of Technology, University of the South Pacific and the Vanuatu Department of Energy. Supported by the Australian Government, it focuses on building solar maintenance and repair skills in remote communities.

Fixim Sola includes two key components: hands-on training for vocational students and outreach to secondary school students aged 15 to 18.

“We’re aiming for 600 repairs through the project,” Laylyn explains. “We train locals on basic maintenance like troubleshooting lanterns and modular systems – the response has been amazing.”

But what sets Laylyn apart is her commitment to gender inclusion in technical fields. In a society where solar repair and maintenance are still seen as “men’s work”, Laylyn is challenging the norm. “We made a strong effort to include women in our trainings,” she says. “In Tanna, we had 18 women attend. They were mostly in their 20s and for many, it was their first time doing hands-on technical work.”

Despite cultural expectations, Laylyn says many women are not only eager to participate, they are excelling. “We interviewed one of the women in the training and she was so motivated to learn and contribute. When women are given the chance, they often do better”.

Her journey has not been without challenges. Procurement delays, transportation issues and limited access to tools and parts in rural Vanuatu can stall project timelines. “You have to plan for the unexpected,” she says with a smile. “Weather, shipping, supply chains, there’s always something. But we find a way.” 

Laylyn balances her demanding work schedule with community visits and travel across islands. “It’s flexible, which helps,” she says. “The chance to meet people from different sectors and learn from them is something I really enjoy.” 

Her time in the field has also taught her valuable lessons. “Working in this sector has shown me that gender doesn’t define technical ability. Women can repair solar systems just as well as men, sometimes even better, if they’re given the chance.” 

Her message to young women across the Pacific is clear:

“With the right skills and confidence, you can do anything. Whether you want to be an engineer, a technician, or a project leader, don’t hold back. You belong in this space.”

She also offers a call to action for businesses and donors: “Create real opportunities for women to step into technical roles. Support them with training, mentoring and platforms where their voices are heard. Sometimes their insights can make your project more effective and inclusive.” 

Looking ahead, Laylyn hopes to deepen her knowledge and broaden her impact. “This is just the beginning for me. I want to continue working in renewable energy and maybe go back to school one day to expand what I know. My vision is to contribute to bigger projects, learn more, and keep growing.” 

With passion, technical acumen and a fierce belief in women’s potential, Laylyn Toa is helping bridge gaps in access, representation and equity, one island at a time.

Watch a short film about the Fixim Sola project Laylyn is working on:

Laylyn’s story is part of the broader partnership that is harnessing the circular economy to tackle solar e-waste in Vanuatu. Learn more.

Across the region, women are stepping into roles that are reshaping how energy is generated, managed and shared. Their leadership is not only powering homes, schools and businesses with clean energy, it is building stronger, more resilient communities and showing what an inclusive energy future looks like.

We’re proud to showcase some of these remarkable leaders through our Women in Power series, which highlights women powering change through the Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships program, delivered by the Business Partnerships Platform and supported by the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million Australian Government initiative delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). These partnerships are pilots for REnew Pacific, the Australian Government’s $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.