The Second Lady, Hajia Samira Bawumia who doubles as the Founder of the Samira Empowerment & Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) has rolled out the Network for Enterprise Development Learning through Sewing for Girls (N4G) initiative for about 1,600 young girls in the Northern Region.
The initiative seeks to equip vulnerable young women with employable skills to work within the fashion industry.
It is a collaborative effort between SEHP, the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) and the Special Initiative on training and job creation implemented by GIZ.
Over 2, 500 young women participated in the first screening stage but 1, 600 are eligible for further training in existing fashion houses.
Most of these young women who graduate will be absorbed into these fashion houses for further experimental learning.
“My dear women, today you have the opportunity to redefine your options and reimagine what the future holds for you as potential beneficiaries of this project. As this Career Day progresses, you will interact with some leading fashion brands, get a realistic picture of what working in the industry is like and receive career guidance and counseling, through one-on-one mentorship sessions.
“I can already see the excitement and passion you have to succeed and that gives me great hope for your success and for the future of the fashion industry and our country as a whole.
“Please, make sure to take full advantage of this opportunity so that you can compete and collaborate on a global level with the best. As you do so, always keep in mind that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected”, she advised the young ladies.
Mrs Bawumia indicated that the initiative is a pathway through which vulnerable teenage girls can become active participants in the local economy.
“More often than not, the economic impact of the fashion sector is underestimated when in reality, its potential for job creation and value addition is immense and limitless.
“It is for this reason that my not-for-profit organization, the Samira Empowerment & Humanitarian Projects (SEHP) is committed to economically empowering women, especially in under-developed communities, to help break the cycle of poverty,” the Second Lady added.
She said the work to empower women can never be over until all women attain financial independence. More can always be done.
“It is said that ‘if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with others’. Therefore, in order to do more for women, partnerships are essential”, she stated.
The Second Lady disclosed that over 3,400 women in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and the five regions of the North have already been trained in soap and yoghurt making under the Skills & Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (SEDI).
Mrs Bawumia added that 1,200 women were trained in quality shea nut picking, shea kernel production and preservation through the Shea Empowerment Initiative in partnership with the Ghana EXIM Bank.
She noted that many of these individuals are currently running businesses built around these acquired skills to improve their livelihood.
