Plan International Ghana has concluded its impactful five-year Women’s Innovation for Sustainable Enterprises (WISE) Project with a celebratory close-out ceremony.

The colorful ceremony took place at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra on Wednesday under the theme: “When Rights Are Realized, Growth Is Inevitable: Lessons and the Legacy of WISE.”

The WISE project, launched in 2020, was initiated by Plan International Ghana and funded by Global Affairs Canada. It was designed to empower women entrepreneurs across five districts in the Bono, Bono East, and Northern regions of Ghana.

The five-year initiative targeted approximately 12,641 direct beneficiaries, focusing on agribusiness and green business development.

In his address, the Country Director, Mr. Constant Tchona, stated that Plan International, a human rights organization, strives to improve the lives of children, young girls, and women who are the most vulnerable in society.

“We go beyond addressing the symptoms of the numerous challenges and explicitly tackle the root causes of gender inequality, particularly unequal power relations and discriminatory social norms,” he said.

Mr. Tchona emphasized the importance of empowering women economically, stating that their rights and potential are pivotal to driving broader economic development. He highlighted the organization’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

The Project Manager, Theodora Asare, acknowledged that the journey was challenging, especially since it took off during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

“The project recognizes the aspiration and potential of Ghanaian women entrepreneurs. We targeted 12,600, but 14,123 were directly reached, and 5,445 women received support. It was in partnership with 11 Women’s Rights Organizations, five microfinance institutions, three private sector entities, and five government agencies. We created 64 child-friendly spaces and refurbished 28 for children under four. The women kept their children at the centers so they could effectively go about their businesses,” she detailed.

However, through resilience and the unwavering dedication of partners, they made it this far. She added that the support of traditional leaders also could not be underestimated.

“We have created market opportunities and directly linked women entrepreneurs to buyers, sensitized communities on business services, and worked with male community leaders, especially around the shared home,” she said.

The Senior Programs Manager, Ashley Dawson, noted that the project wouldn’t have been successful without effective partnerships. Miss Dawson stressed the need for strong and continued partnerships in an ever-changing and connected world. She revealed that Global Affairs Canada has, over the past decade, committed CA$22 million to Plan International’s work in Ghana through three projects all aimed at supporting the rights of girls and women.

For the Director and Head of Operations at the Canadian High Commission, Kathleen Flynn Dapaah, such gender-transformational projects have been a success due to the Canadian Feminists International Assistance.

“We believe that gender equality matters and that the empowerment of women is central to ending poverty, promoting prosperity, and peace,” she stated.

On the part of stakeholders, URBANET and the Women Integrated Development Organisation (WIDO), it was with great joy and pride that they saw the successful completion of the project.

They noted that the close-out ceremony was not an end to the project but a celebration of the success of the life-changing initiative that has empowered over 14,000 women.

“We were able to work with traditional leaders to promote gender equality and build solar hubs for the women,” they boasted.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Seth Twum Akwaboah, who was also present, highlighted their pivotal role in the project’s implementation.

Mr. Akwaboah affirmed that AGI believes that women empowerment is key to economic development and therefore mentored 51 selected women and provided them with industry insights and networking opportunities.

On the part of the beneficiaries of the WISE project, it was nothing short of excitement as they boasted of significant improvements in their livelihoods, including enhanced skills in savings, investment, record-keeping, branding, and basic business management.

The project has also established over 500 women’s savings groups to promote a culture of savings among participants.