Twenty-five vulnerable young women, who previously worked as head porters in Accra, have successfully completed a year-long vocational training program in painting and tiling. This initiative, a joint effort by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Ghana and Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, aims to equip these women with employable skills. The graduates received certificates at a ceremony in Accra on Tuesday, July 21, marking their transition from head porterage to skilled trades.
The beneficiaries include single mothers, survivors of child marriages, and school dropouts who migrated from northern Ghana seeking better economic opportunities. Many found themselves working as 'kayayei', carrying heavy loads in markets and on streets, often facing health challenges. The program, known as the Kayayei Assistance Project (KASPRO), provides a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and decent work, addressing the socio-economic challenges these women encounter.
This program fits into Ghana's broader efforts to address internal migration and youth unemployment, particularly among vulnerable populations. The migration of young women from northern Ghana to urban centers like Accra is a persistent socio-economic issue, driven by limited opportunities in their home regions. Initiatives like KASPRO contribute to reducing urban poverty and empowering women, aligning with national development goals focused on inclusive growth and gender equality. The project began in 2020, initially enrolling 50 women, and has since refined its approach to ensure higher commitment and readiness among participants.
Doris Mawuse Aglobitse, speaking at the graduation ceremony, commended the graduates for their determination and resilience. She highlighted the challenges faced by some participants, including family pressure and financial constraints, which led to five dropouts from the initial 30 selected trainees. Ms. Aglobitse appealed to individuals and corporate institutions to support UNFPA in expanding the program, offering similar opportunities to more vulnerable young women across the country. Dr. David Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Ghana Country Representative, described the initiative as both timely and transformative, emphasizing its role in fostering financial independence.
Kokui Bulley, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer of Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, stated that the graduation represents more than just completing vocational training. She noted it is a celebration of courage and resilience, demonstrating the impact of collaboration between development partners and the private sector. Ms. Bulley particularly applauded the graduates for choosing painting and tiling, professions traditionally dominated by men. This choice challenges stereotypes and breaks barriers, showing that talent and ambition have no gender. Prudential's commitment extends beyond insurance products to empowering individuals with skills for a brighter future.
The success of these 25 graduates demonstrates the potential for targeted vocational training to transform lives and contribute to Ghana's economic development. The program's expansion could significantly impact the lives of many more young women, reducing their vulnerability and increasing their participation in the formal economy. Future efforts will likely focus on securing more funding and partnerships to scale up KASPRO, ensuring broader reach and sustained impact. This initiative provides a model for addressing similar socio-economic challenges in other regions of Ghana.