Plan International Ghana Celebrates Success of WISE Project

The Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprises (WISE) project, implemented by Plan International Ghana, has successfully empowered women and transformed communities in Ghana.

The project’s primary goal was to enhance economic justice and inclusive growth for women aged 19-55 in the Northern, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions.

At its core, Chief Executive Officer of Association of Ghana Industries, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, speaking at the Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprise Project Close-Out Celebration held in Accra on the theme “When Rights Are Realized, Growth Is Imminent: Lessons and Legacy of WISE,” said WISE adopted a gender-transformative approach, integrating technological and financial strategies to address the root causes of gender inequality and promote economic justice and rights for women in Ghana.

Mr. Akwaboah said according to the World Bank, women make up almost half of the agricultural labor force in developing countries, but their productivity is limited by barriers to finance, access to inputs, extension services, and land rights.

He stated that the project addressed these challenges by providing training and mentorship to women in climate-smart agriculture, green business initiatives, and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).

Additionally, he said the project engaged male partners in addressing and transforming deeply rooted gender norms that perpetuate gender-based violence and women’s exclusion from economic activities.

Mr Seth explained that through its partnerships with local organizations, such as Urbanet GH and the Women Integrated Development Organization (WIDO), WISE reached over 14,000 women and 1,600 men in 150 communities. The project’s impact has been remarkable, leading to improved family relationships, well-being, and better care for children.

He again mentioned that WISE has also established and strengthened eight women-friendly business hubs, including three Solar Kiosks, offering services such as entrepreneurship training, green value chain development, and financial inclusion.

These hubs have provided women with the necessary tools and knowledge to participate fully in economic activities, he added.

Mr Akwaboah concluded that the WISE project’s success demonstrates the transformative power of empowering women. However, addressing the root causes of gender inequality and promoting economic justice, WISE has improved the lives of women, their families, and communities in Ghana, he said

Source: mymctvonline.com || Elvis Agyenim Boateng