Unemployment remains a pressing issue in Ghana, and women have borne a disproportionate brunt of this challenge. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the Women Mentorship program has stepped in to provide a boost to 1,000 women entrepreneurs over the past four years. Through training and financial support, these women have been equipped to expand and enhance their businesses, with the ultimate goal of creating employment opportunities for those previously unemployed.
Training and Graduation
The initiative has already made significant strides, with 700 women entrepreneurs receiving training. Recently, an additional 300 individuals from various regions across the country celebrated their graduation in Kumasi. The program’s impact is expected to be substantial, particularly for beneficiaries who are primarily clients of Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans.
Sinapi Aba’s Commitment
Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans, the driving force behind this endeavor, is deeply committed to providing unwavering support to the program’s beneficiaries. Joyce Owusu Daabo, Chief Programmes Officer at Sinapi Aba Saving and Loans, emphasized their multifaceted approach, which goes beyond financial assistance. “Our goal is to give opportunities to this sector of the informal population who would find it challenging to access financial services in mainstream banks,” noted Daabo.
She continued, “We provide them with financial support in the form of loans and other innovative financial services such as savings and remittances. Additionally, we recognize that these women need more than just financial support; they require skills and knowledge to effectively manage their businesses and propel them to greater heights.”
The Women Mentorship Program
Sinapi Aba’s Women Mentorship Program aims to identify entrepreneurs with growth potential and provide them with essential skills and knowledge to invest in their businesses. The program also seeks to instill a resilient entrepreneurial spirit in women, empowering them to compete effectively with their male counterparts. Ultimately, the mentorship program aspires to build well-rounded women entrepreneurs capable of succeeding in their chosen fields.
Beneficiary Testimonials
Beneficiaries of the program attest to its transformative impact. Doris Crentsil, a beneficiary, shared her experience, highlighting how the program helped her grow her business. “From my experience, from the program that we had for the past six months, I learned how to grow my business very well,” she explained. “Sinapi Aba made me understand that taking loans helps boost your business. I am somebody who was just buying things from Accra and selling, but Sinapi Aba has made it possible for me to travel outside the country and import goods into Ghana for resale. I think that Sinapi Aba is doing well in terms of grooming women in business. I am a living testimony.”
The Women Mentorship Program stands as a beacon of hope, empowering Ghanaian women to overcome economic challenges and drive positive change in their communities. Through this initiative, women entrepreneurs are gaining the tools they need to succeed, fostering a brighter future for themselves and their nation.
