An entrepreneur programme dubbed ‘’Women Entrepreneurship for Africa Programme” (WE4A) was yesterday launched in Accra.
It aims to create 2,500 jobs and secure 5,035 existing jobs for women-owned enterprises.
The programmeis to alsoincrease the economic inclusion and empowerment of women to create decent jobs in African economies.
It is being implemented by GIZ(German International Development Agency) Ghana,Tanzania,Kenya,Uganda and Mozambique.
The Programme is funded by the German Government, co-financed by European Union,Oraganisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and German Cooperation(BMZ) and supported by Tony Elumelu Foundation.
At the end of the nearly three-year project, some of the participants would receive a minimum of 10,000 Euros and a maximum of 50,000 Euros to expand their business.
The Country Director of GIZ, Ms Regina Bauerochse Barbosa, in her remarks said women economic empowerment remains a very important issue for Africa.
She said in Ghana, the National Employment report indicated almost 60 per cent of all employed persons were engaged in the informalsector (Ghana Statistical Service 2015).
Ms Bauerochse stated that for women to be empowered meant that they could promote their sense of self-worth, own their choices and influence decisions.
“The ideals of this intervention are perfectly aligned with the Government of Ghana’s priorities outlined in coordinated programmes of Economic and Social Development policies(2017 -2024) aimed at addressing issues of poverty and inequalities,unemployment,the informal economy and gender equality,”she added.
She said the programme also sought to increase the number of African women entrepreneurs who had enhanced their business capacities and had access to formal financial services for employment creation in their communities.
The Executive Director of Ghana IntegrityInitiative, Mrs Linda Ofori-Kwafo encouraged policy makers in tackling adverse norms and promoting positive role models and ensuring legal protection and reforming discrimination laws and regulations.
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Patrick Yaw Nimo, stressed the need to support young women to create jobs and generate income for themselves and promote the economy.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Enterprises Agency,Mrs Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, who was represented by her deputy Mrs Anna Armo-Himbson, commended the German Government for the initiative.
Mrs Yankey-Ayehassured of the Agency’s collaboration with the sponsors to ensure more women were engage in entrepreneur businesses to create employment and decent jobs in the country.
The Team Leader Macro-economic and Trade section Sector, Mr Timothy Dolan, said the promotion of gender equality and support to youth was a core value of the EU.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI
The Chief Executive Officer of Reroy Group, Dr Mrs Kate Quartey-Papafiowho was represented by Ms Elsie Appau-Klu,mentioned lack of access to credit as one of major factors affecting women entrepreneurs.
She called for policies to engage women in male dominated areas such as the energy sector.
N/B: PHOTOS BY MR OFOSU ACHEAMPONG