In a bid to empower vulnerable people in Doninga, a community in the Builsa South District of Ghana’s Upper East Region, the Movement of Rural Entrepreneurial Women (MORE-WOMEN) has provided significant livelihood support to women and youth.
The initiative which is aimed at fostering self-reliance and economic empowerment, supported 100 individuals directly and an additional 350 people indirectly through improved community livelihood.
The support package included 150 piglets and equipment for shea butter processing, complete with sheds to enhance productivity and sustainability in these ventures.
The project, titled “Strengthening Livelihood Opportunities for Vulnerable Populations through Support to Women and Youth in Doninga,” is part of the broader United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative, “Responding and Preventing Violent Extremism in the Atlantic Corridor,” funded by the governments of Denmark, Australia, and Norway.
In a handover ceremony, Sheila Yitah, Executive Director of MORE-WOMEN, emphasized the importance of empowering youth and women to foster economic independence and resilience, especially in underserved communities. “Our vision for an inclusive society where women and youth lead sustainable development by transforming challenges into opportunities is becoming a reality.
Together with our partners, we remain committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in this transformative journey towards a more equitable society, which is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Yitah stated.
Since 2023, UNDP, in collaboration with the Upper East Regional Peace Council, has worked to implement the overarching project, addressing the drivers of radicalization and mitigating factors leading to violent extremism. MORE-WOMEN has been responsible for the livelihood component of the initiative, ensuring that women and youth in Doninga gain access to resources and skills essential for economic growth.
Dr. Edward Ampratwum, Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance at UNDP, underscored the initiative’s objective to empower communities as agents of positive change. He highlighted the importance of proactive measures to curb the growing concerns surrounding violent extremism, particularly as conflicts from the Sahel region pose risks to coastal West African nations, including Ghana.
A beneficiary Gloria Anwawon expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the resources would significantly help her family, especially in ensuring educational support for her children. The Chief of the Doninga community, Nab Azowonbiik Agriba commended MORE-WOMEN and its partners for the effort taken to improve the livelihoods of the Doninga people.
MORE-WOMEN is a local NGO founded on the principles of gender equity and social inclusion, with a dedication to empowering rural women and vulnerable groups in underserved low-income food deficit rural communities.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Doninga
