31 OCTOBER 2025
Did you know, Indigenous women and girls face murder rates more than 10 times the national average in the US? These cases often go unnoticed, uninvestigated, or unreported, leaving families and communities in anguish.
Sadly, this risk also applies to Indigenous communities in Southern Arizona, near our Hermosa project, where a lack of sufficient community lighting can perpetuate the issue.
But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. One community organisation is fighting back, and better still, they’ve just been announced a successful applicant for one of our ‘10 for 10’ grants – our 10-year anniversary community initiative, offering US$10,000 to make a difference.
The organisation is called Light of the Sun Indigenous Women’s Alliance, put forward by Stephanie Moreno, Specialist Tribal Affairs at Hermosa. The initiative aims literally, to bring light to safety concerns in tribal communities, and the ‘10 for 10’ funding will go towards installation of three community solar-powered streetlights in Indigenous communities near Hermosa.
The solar lights are equipped with an emergency button that can be pressed to activate an alarm and flashing lights, warding off potential threats and alerting those nearby and serving as an effective crime prevention tool to improve safety.
Indigenous women are actively engaged in the design and implementation of the lighting, which also fosters a sense of ownership and pride provides an opportunity for skill development.
Stephanie said she was thrilled her chosen initiative had been selected.
“This is such an important initiative for the community,” Stephanie said.
“Not only does it improve safety, it serves as a platform to bring light to this issue, and helps to spread awareness,” she said.
To Stephanie, the issue is particularly close to her heart.
“As a member of this community, Light of the Sun is important to me, because it’s a beacon of hope, highlighting the violence that occurs in our communities, and taking action to tackle it,” she said.
“Together, we can stand in solidarity and illuminate the path forward, for a brighter future together, free from violence and inequality.”
Powered by the Light of the Sun.
Find out more about the initiative, here.
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