The Women in Fisheries Against Violence (WiFVEs) project is a three-year initiative generously funded by the European Union and executed in collaboration with Hen Mpoano and CEWEFIA.
CEWEFIA led the short-term vocational skills training and set-up in the Central and Western Region as part of the planned activities for the project. This is to equip participants including victims and persons at risk of gender-based violence with skills to earn income and become economically independent. The short-term vocational skills training and set-up had two options including Liquid and Soap Making and Baking and Confectionary options of which participants were made to choose which they preferred.
Each participant after every training session received a start-up package to enable them to apply the skills acquired as well as begin sales to generate income and commence their businesses.
CEWEFIA played a pivotal role throughout the training activities. The organization was present at all stages, from the initial sessions to the practical demonstrations. Their active involvement aimed to ensure that participants not only learned the skills but were also well-trained to apply them effectively. CEWEFIA's commitment to the success of the training program underscored its dedication to empowering individuals in the fishing communities.
The training commenced on 8th January 2024 and ended on 23rd January 2024, ensuring that participants received comprehensive and hands-on instruction. The duration of the training was carefully planned to cover theoretical aspects, practical demonstrations, and sufficient practice sessions.
This approach allowed participants to not only grasp the concepts but also develop proficiency in applying their newly acquired skills.
Through these targeted interventions, the project aims to contribute significantly to Ghana's advancement in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which emphasizes achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
The specific targets include;
5.1 (Ending discrimination against women and girls),
5.2 (Ending violence against and exploitation of women and girls)
5.6 (Ensuring universal access to reproductive health and rights),
5. A (Promoting equal rights to economic resources, property ownership, and financial services), and 5. C (Adopting and strengthening policies and enforceable legislation for gender equality).
As a result of the short-term vocational skills training and set-up, participants gained practical skills in either Liquid and Soap Making or Baking and confectionery. The impact of the training extended beyond individual empowerment; it contributed to the economic upliftment of the entire communities. Participants, now equipped with supplementary sources of income, were better positioned to resist and overcome the challenges associated with gender-based violence and poverty.
By concentrating on these essential areas, the WiFVEs project strives to play a pivotal role in propelling Ghana forward in its commitment to achieving gender equality and fulfilling the outlined Sustainable Development Goals.
The WiFVEs project, spearheaded by CEWEFIA, has successfully implemented a short-term vocational skills training and set-up in the Central and Western Region. By focusing on empowering victims and those at risk of gender-based violence, the project has not only imparted valuable skills but has also paved the way for economic independence and community development. The ongoing commitment of CEWEFIA ensures that the positive impact of the training will endure, bringing about lasting change in the lives of the participants and their communities. #WiFVEsProject #GenderEquality #Empowerment #EUfunded #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #CEWEFIA #Henmpoano
