Collaboration is key for amplifying impact, promoting sustainable change, and addressing complex social issues, particularly in empowering women in marginalized situations. This is evident in the current collaborative efforts of the Network of Women in Growth Ghana (NEWIG Ghana) and The Coca-Cola Foundation, which have significantly impacted over 150 women across two urban centers, Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi with Kumasi and Tamale to be reached.
These training programs are part of a broader initiative designed to uplift women, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), through skills acquisition and start-up support, enabling them to achieve economic independence and improve their livelihoods.
Two Training Programs, One Goal: Economic Inclusion and Empowerment
The first phase of this initiative commenced in Accra, where 120 women received training at the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly. This intensive program, held earlier this year, focused on equipping participants with essential skills in mushroom cultivation, soap making, and snail farming. These skills were specifically selected for their potential to generate income and provide sustainable livelihoods for women who face socio-economic challenges with less capital investment.
Building on the success of the Accra training, a similar program was held in Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region, where 54 women, including nine PWDs, received training in mushroom production and soap making. Conducted in August 2024 in collaboration with the Aseda Foundation, this training provided additional support to ensure the program’s success.
Deliberate Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
A key aspect of these training programs is the deliberate inclusion of persons living with disabilities among the beneficiaries. Out of the 150 plus women trained in Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi, more than 20 were PWDs, reflecting a conscious effort by NEWIG Ghana and The Coca-Cola Foundation to ensure the initiative reaches some of the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society.
Including PWDs in such empowerment programs is crucial, as it helps break down barriers that often prevent them from accessing economic opportunities. Equipping these PWDs with monetizable skills, the program enhances their economic independence and promotes social inclusion, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.
Empowering Women to Lead in Their Communities
The impact of these training programs extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries. At the graduation ceremonies held after each training session, participants were awarded certificates and provided with start-up kits to help them establish their businesses. These kits are designed to give the women a head start in their chosen trades, enabling them to apply their new skills practically and start generating income almost immediately.
Speaking at the graduation event in Sekondi-Takoradi, the Executive Director of NEWIG Ghana, Ms. Mawulawoe Awity, reiterated the importance of empowering women with income-generating skills. “It’s crucial to note that women constitute a significant portion of Ghana’s population. It is, therefore, important to empower women with skills to generate income for supporting their families and communities,” she stated.
Ms. Awity also highlighted the ongoing support that NEWIG Ghana will provide to the beneficiaries, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance to succeed in their new ventures.
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Development
The collaboration between NEWIG Ghana and The Coca-Cola Foundation exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive sustainable development at the grassroots level. By pooling resources and expertise, these organizations have created a program that empowers individual women and has the potential to uplift entire communities.
Ms. Diana Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of Aseda Foundation, underscored the significance of such initiatives, particularly in financially empowering women. “The vision is to empower women with skills to support their households financially, which is why we welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with NEWIG Ghana to organize these training sessions for our women,” she said.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact
The project, which began in January 2024, is part of a two-year initiative aimed at training 300 women across four urban centers Accra, Sekondi-Takoradi, Kumasi, and Tamale. In addition to mushroom cultivation, soap making, and snail farming, the project also includes business management training for 2,500 women, further enhancing their capacity to manage and grow their enterprises effectively.
As the project continues to roll out across the remaining cities, the impact of these training programs is expected to ripple through the communities, empowering more women to take charge of their economic futures and contribute to the development of their local economies.
The deliberate inclusion of marginalized groups, such as PWDs, underscores the importance of inclusive development. Through ongoing efforts to equip women with essential skills, NEWIG Ghana and The Coca-Cola Foundation are transforming lives and contributing to broader social and economic change. This initiative exemplifies what can be achieved through effective collaboration, leading to sustainable development and lasting positive impacts in communities across Ghana.
