About one hundred women from the Boawene Electoral Area in the Old Tafo Municipal of the Ashanti Region have participated in a one-day skill training session aimed at empowering them to start their own businesses.

The Women in Agricultural Development Directorate (WIAD), a division within the municipal department of agriculture, organized the workshop to train the women on how to produce soaps and soft drinks.

The training is part of WIAD's efforts to enhance the capabilities of women and provide them with entrepreneurial skills to enhance their livelihoods in the area.

Sandra Asare, the Municipal WIAD officer, expressed satisfaction with the program and expressed confidence that the participants have gained sufficient knowledge and skills to improve their lives.

She stated, "We firmly believe that empowering women is a crucial step towards accomplishing that objective." Madam Sandra expressed her belief that the training will enable the women to become self-reliant and enhance their livelihoods.

 "We aim for a stronger community and an elevated standard of living. Our goal is to create more job opportunities and reduce teenage pregnancies." She revealed that the participants also received training in entrepreneurship.

Some of the trainees who spoke to JoyNews expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing that they have acquired valuable skills that will enable them to establish their own businesses.

One trainee, Firdaus Mohammed, highlighted that the assistance provided has made a significant difference in various aspects of their lives. She emphasized that the wealth of knowledge acquired from this training will empower them to generate income to support their family.

“I have gained a wealth of knowledge from this training. With the liquid soap, if I purchase the materials, I can produce the soap, sell it, and earn income to support my family. I am confident that it will benefit me and my family."

Another trainee echoed these sentiments, stating, "This is a wonderful event, and I am grateful to the foundation. Not everyone would extend such support, so I took it seriously. I have learned a great deal that I believe will lead to positive outcomes."

According to Mustapha Usman, the assembly member for the Boawene Electoral Area, the purpose of the training was to empower the participants economically and foster financial independence.

He emphasized the importance of the participants utilizing the training effectively by commercializing the skills acquired. Mr. Mustapha stressed that such training initiatives can only yield meaningful results when the participants fully commit themselves to making good use of the knowledge and skills imparted.

Mr. Mustapha announced that his office would partner with financial institutions to offer financial literacy training to the women, aiming to empower them with the skills to effectively manage their resources. It will also play a crucial role in promoting economic stability and empowering them to navigate complex financial systems with confidence.

In recent years, the Department of Agriculture has conducted training sessions for hundreds of women across the Old Tafo Municipal area, guiding them towards economically sustainable ventures. This initiative is designed to help them secure a better future for their children.