{
  "id": 20215066,
  "title": "Vanuatu woman internationally recognised for solar scheme tackling violence",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/vanuatu-woman-internationally-recognised-for-solar-scheme-tackling",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T18:55:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-16/vanuatu-women-using-light-to-reduce-male-violence/107316976"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the village of Lawital on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, women have taken it upon themselves to address the issue of male violence by installing solar lights. This initiative has not only increased household incomes for women, allowing them to work more, but has also significantly reduced their fear of being attacked at night. The project, led by Dalila Laus Lalulu, has been recognized at the COP-31 summit, and the community is eager to expand its reach with assistance from Australia. According to a local NGO, many women in the region sleep with machetes under their pillows for protection due to the lack of lighting and the high incidence of male violence. The installation of solar-powered lights in streets and nearly 120 homes, along with the provision of solar lanterns for women walking at night, has led to a decrease in violence and a sense of safety among the community members. The project has also empowered women by enabling them to take on jobs and participate more in society, ultimately contributing to their increased respect within the community. The success of the Lawital light project has earned its leader, Dalila Laus Lalulu, a Gender Just Climate Solutions Award at the COP-31 conference. Despite her initial shyness, Lalulu expressed immense gratitude for the recognition and hopes to further extend the off-grid solar scheme to other villages in Vanuatu.",
  "summary": "Women in a village on Vanuatu's Tanna island are working to reduce their risk of being attacked by switching from candles to solar lights.",
  "key_points": [
    "Vanuatu woman Dalila Laus Lalulu recognized for solar scheme combating male violence.",
    "Initiative installed solar lights in 120 homes, provided lanterns for women.",
    "Lalulu awarded Gender Just Climate Solutions at COP-31 conference."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}