Empowering Women in Non-Traditional Trades for the Northern Economy of Ghana

This project supports women in rural areas of Northern Ghana who encounter difficulties accessing specialized skills. The project works to train and empower young women to participate in non-traditional technical trades in economic activities. These activities include welding electrical and electronic works mechanical maintenance agricultural mechanization agro-processing and auto mechanics. The project works mostly with technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions in the Upper West Upper East and Northern Regions. It supports the creation of entrepreneur hubs within TVET institutions. Project activities include: (1) developing and delivering national communications campaigns advocating for women’s participation in non-traditional trades; (2) providing technical assistance to strengthen government oversight bodies’ outreach with TVET providers on gender equality issues and to build the capacity of TVET Gender Officers; (3) supporting partner TVET institutions to analyze barriers to women’s participation in non-traditional technical trades and develop action plans; and (4) establishing post-training employment linkages between industry and TVET partners in the three northern regions. This project aims to directly benefit 2 368 beneficiaries and intermediaries. It expects 2 065 young women will complete industry-relevant training-to-employment programs. Up to 70 women entrepreneurs benefit directly from the business skills and mentorship training provided through the project. Also 400 women trainees directly benefit from advanced entrepreneurship training. Approximately 28 592 indirect beneficiaries (of whom 14 040 women and 14 552 men) benefit from community sensitization and outreach efforts in northern communities.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved enabling environment and reduced gender-specific barriers for women’s participation in economic growth; (2) enhanced access to decent work for women; and (3) increased productivity profitability and innovation of women-owned businesses.