In the heart of Madina municipality, 25 women experienced a transformative wave of change, thanks to the loyal efforts of the Rural-Urban Salvage Network (RUSaN) and the generous support from Global GreenGrants Funds.

This initiative, aptly named the Urban Poor Women Empowerment Project, has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for urban poor women, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to achieve economic independence and improve their overall well-being.

Selecting and Supporting Beneficiaries

The project selected 25 participants from four electoral areas within Madina Municipality in the Greater Accra Region: Madina West, Social Welfare South, Nkwantanang-West, and North Legon. Selection was based on data regarding income levels, household composition, employment status, education, health, and social vulnerability.

Building Economic Independence

Central to the project were training workshops focused on entrepreneurial skills. Women learned business management, including accounting and marketing, and were trained in producing liquid soap, Dettol, and various pastries. These skills provided immediate income-generating opportunities.

One beneficiary, Dede, transitioned from struggling to make ends meet to running a successful pastry business. "The training opened my eyes to the possibilities," she said. "Now, I can provide for my family and even support other women in my community."

Health and Well-being

The project also prioritized health and well-being through regular health screenings and educational sessions on maternal health, child care, and emergency response. Lorien Yevugah, another participant, noted, "Before, I didn't know the importance of regular health check-ups. Now, I am more aware and can make better health decisions for myself and my children."

Community and Support

Community engagement was crucial to the project's success. RUSaN organized community meetings and events to raise awareness and foster solidarity among participants. Each woman received a start-up capital, essential for translating their training into tangible businesses. This financial support, combined with ongoing mentorship, ensured sustainable business growth and long-term success.

A Ripple Effect

The project's success created a ripple effect throughout the community. Women who once struggled with economic insecurity are now role models, inspiring others to pursue empowerment. The project's success also attracted attention from other organizations and local authorities, leading to additional support and expansion opportunities.

During the project's closing ceremony, Mr. Ibrahim Abdul-Razak (Cisse), the Assembly Member for Madina West Electoral Area, spoke on behalf of the stakeholders. He admonished the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to earn a sustainable lifestyle presented by RUSaN.

He also thanked Rural-Urban Salvage Network and its funding agency, expressing gratitude for the life-changing intervention. He called on other agencies to support RUSaN in their mission to impact society and its dwellers.

RUSaN President, Engr. Siita Naayif Bayantare, emphasized, "Our goal is not just to empower individual women but to create a sustainable model of empowerment that could be replicated in other communities."

Looking Ahead

RUSaN remains committed to empowering urban poor women, with ongoing support from the Global GreenGrants Fund and other partners. As we look to the future, the Urban Poor Women Empowerment Project in Madina stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated organizations and compassionate funders.