On the 17th of August 2023, Pan-African Savings and Loans (Pan-African) conducted an impactful financial literacy training and wellness session themed “Me ne me bank” (“My Bank and I”).

The financial literacy training was designed to empower the members of the Ghana Association of Beauticians and Hairdressers (GHABA) with essential knowledge and skills related to financial management.

The training emphasized the significance of saving and introduced different investment options available to the participants. It provided guidance on evaluating investment opportunities and making prudent financial decisions.  The training program also addressed the specific financial considerations related to running a business in the beauty and hairdressing industry.

Topics such as managing cash flow, bookkeeping, and calculating profit margins were covered.  The training sessions were conducted by experienced financial experts (M-Doz Consulting) who facilitated interactive sessions, engaged participants and encouraged discussions to ensure effective learning.

In addition to the financial literacy training, a wellness session was organized in collaboration with Glico Health for all members of the Association.  

Sarah Annam, the Gender Programme Lead of Pan-African stated that “The wellness session which focused on the management of stress and depression was aimed at promoting the overall well-being of the members by providing them with access to important health advise and linkages.

The financial literacy training and wellness session organized for members of the GHABA played a significant role in enhancing the overall well-being and financial empowerment of the members.

By providing them with the necessary knowledge and access to a wellness talk, the program aimed to support the growth and success of beauticians and hairdressers in Ghana and foster their role as entrepreneurs within the beauty industry.

Pan-African continues to increase financial inclusion through its MAMA Programme, a gender programme that combines savings, loans, and payment products with free non-financial services to support women clients, including business skills training and eHealth and wellness services. 

Through its MAMA initiative, Pan-African offers numerous skills-building opportunities such as digital literacy and business management training, savings and investment planning, and networking. 

MAMA women also benefit from practical guidance such as fire detection and prevention training, and access to a suite of free healthcare services including health talks, screenings and eHealth, and reduced cost of pharmaceutical and laboratory services.

MAMA is focused on empowering women with the right tools to generating income, managing financial risks and fully participating in the economy.