The Kayayei Skills Empowerment Programme, initiated by Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, recently celebrated the graduation of its fifth cohort, with 620 women successfully completing the programme.

The graduation ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 15, at the Madina Kayayei Hostel, marking a significant milestone in the initiative aimed at empowering women in the informal sector.

Since its inception, the Kayayei Empowerment Programme has trained a cumulative 3,000 women under various business modules, helping them gain vocational skills that foster economic independence.

The initiative, which continues to provide training through November, is led by the National Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (NEIP), with plans to enroll even more women in the coming months.

The training covered six specialised areas, including soap and detergent making, baking, beads and jewellery making, décor, pedicure and manicure, and make-up artistry.

The programme provides participants not only with skills but also the tools to start their businesses. Each graduate received starter packs, along with a stipend of GHC 1,000 to help them begin their entrepreneurial journey.

Additionally, many graduates from previous cohorts have successfully set up businesses, utilizing the skills acquired during their training to support themselves and contribute to the economy.

These success stories reflect the effectiveness of the empowerment programme and its potential to transform lives.

To monitor the progress of graduates, NEIP’s Monitoring and Evaluation Department has been visiting those who have set up their businesses.

Plans are underway to create a documentary showcasing their achievements and the impact the programme has had on their lives.