On August 21, 2024, in a landmark effort to support one of Ghana’s most vulnerable populations, over 100 kayayei (female head porters) gathered at the Madina Kayayei Empowerment Center for a transformative training workshop organized by the David Douglas Leadership Forum (DDLF) in collaboration with Miss Keerah Yeowang, a prominent figure in Milwaukee’s beauty and empowerment circles, now Miss Galaxy USA.

Kayayei, predominantly young women and girls who carry heavy loads on their heads for a living, face immense hardship and exploitation as they struggle to make ends meet. However, this training program sought to empower them with practical skills, resources, and opportunities to chart a new path forward.

“This is a pivotal moment for the kayayei community,” said Miss Keerah Yeowang, the Miss Galaxy USA titleholder. “We are here to provide them with the tools and support they need to transform their lives and break the cycle of poverty,” Miss Keerah said in an interview with journalists.

The day-long workshop covered a diverse curriculum, including makeup training sessions, training on how to introduce yourself and others, as well as how to respectfully engage people with body language and posture. This is to help the participants appreciate how to communicate effectively and provide clients with good makeup services.

One participant, Fatima Salifu, expressed her gratitude for the training, stating, “For the first time, I feel empowered to explore alternatives to head portering. This workshop has opened my eyes to new possibilities and given me hope for the future.”

The Madina Kayayei Empowerment Center, constructed through the efforts of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, served as the venue for the event, a testament to the Ghanaian government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by this marginalized group.

“This program is just the beginning,” said DDLF organizer David Douglas, founder of DDLF. “With continued support and investment, we can create sustainable change and provide kayayei with the dignity and opportunities they deserve.”

As the participants left the center, their faces were filled with a renewed sense of hope and determination. This landmark training workshop has ignited a spark of transformation that could ripple through the kayayei community and beyond.