Innovation in Non-traditional Vocational Education and Skills Training (INVEST) for women in Ghana

This project addresses key socio-cultural barriers to women’s participation in more lucrative non-traditional and high-growth sectors by using an inclusive market system approach. This project is part of the Preliminary Call for Proposals Innovation for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Ghana. This project focuses on training and young urban poor women’s capacity building in three main urban areas of Ghana. It seeks to improve societal attitudes toward women in trades and technology. This project will build on the capacity of local Technical and Vocational Education and Training organizations local training providers to design and deliver gender-sensitive skills-based market-relevant skills training in high-growth sectors (such as electricity and electronics) focusing on employing young women. It also helps industry hire promote and retain women in the workplace. Women employees and industry partners receive technical assistance and training on labour rights mentoring and coaching to build their capacity to support women in their chosen field. This project directly benefits 5 000 women in the urban areas of Accra Kumasi and Sekondi-Takoradi by helping them develop skills to secure their employment or start their own business. Amongst these women 80% (4 000) are between the age of 18 and 35.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved enabling environment and reduced gender-specific barriers for women's participation in economic growth; and (2) enhanced access to decent work for women.