WEACT programme empowers women in shea production at Bunglung

By Samuel SAM   

The Women Economic Advancement for Collective Transformation (WEACT) project in Bunglung, Savelugu municipality, has enhanced the economic empowerment, well-being and inclusive growth of women in the area.

Implemented by Oxfam Ghana in partnership with the Tungteiya Women’s Association and funded by Global Affairs Canada, the project aims to address systemic barriers to women’s economic empowerment.

More than 5,400 women and girls – along with 3,510 men and boys in the shea value chain – have benefitted from the programme which has contributed to reducing poverty rates in rural communities. The five-year project, supported by Global Affairs Canada, provides technical and financial assistance to empower women economically.

To date, approximately 16,931 women aged 18 to 60 have received technical and financial support. Additionally, 1,512 women participated in dialogues with traditional and religious leaders on gender issues and 900 women received gender-responsive skills development training – of which 720 also received financial literacy training. They were further provided with direct technical and financial assistance to develop alternative livelihood opportunities, including soap-making, shea butter production and proper packaging to meet market standards.

This progress was highlighted during a working visit to Bunglung by Assalama Sidi, Deputy Director in charge of West and Central Africa, and Caroline Stockmann, Oxfam International Board Chair, accompanied by the Acting Country Director-Oxfam Ghana and other staff members. The visit aimed to assess the project’s impact and challenges faced by beneficiaries.

The Tungteiya women’s group expressed their gratitude to Oxfam and its partners for the empowerment program, stating that it has helped increase their economic activities and livelihoods, thereby reducing poverty rates in rural communities. “Through the support, we have been able to provide for our children’s education, support our families, and improve our businesses,” they said.

Oxfam International Board Treasurer Caroline Stockmann commended the women’s group for effectively utilising the funds. She encouraged them to continue striving for economic and social independence in their homes and the broader community. She also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting more women in growing their businesses to better support their families.

Deputy Director-Oxfam in Africa, Assalama Sidi, urged the women’s groups to improve their products and packaging to meet market standards.

Madam Safura Abdulai indicated that the entrepreneurship training and grant she received have unearthed her creativity and business skills, significantly boosting her income. The profit she is now making has enabled her to send her child back to school – even to the tertiary level.

Fati Alhassan, Gender Officer at Oxfam, stated that the project was designed to enhance Shea value chain actors within the operational areas and engage women in rural areas – targetting a boost of entrepreneurship among them. “At Oxfam, we believe that poverty can be ended. So, we take steps that contribute to the development of the nation,” she said.

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