The Unspoken Voices Project, an initiative aimed at supporting head porters (kayayei), widows and single mothers, particularly those affected by recent market fires in Madina, has been launched in Accra.
The fires destroyed goods and sources of livelihood for many traders.
The project was launched on Tuesday by the Berth Foundation in partnership with the Givers of Happiness (GoH) Foundation, both non-governmental organisations.
Speaking at the launch, the International Relations Officer of the two foundations, Nana Adwoa Marfo, said the initiative went beyond providing immediate relief and focused on helping beneficiaries build sustainable livelihoods.
She explained that the project was designed to address the underlying causes of poverty, including lack of skills, unstable housing, limited access to economic opportunities and social exclusion.
According to her, the programme would initially support 40 beneficiaries, comprising 30 kayayei and 10 widows.
She added that beneficiaries would receive vocational training in areas such as hairdressing, make-up artistry, fashion design and dressmaking through partnerships with institutions including Hair Planet and the Network for Societal Transformation (NEST).
Ms Marfo said the project aimed to equip beneficiaries with employable skills to enable them attain financial independence, while also empowering others in their communities through mentorship and skills transfer.
The Founder of the Berth Foundation, Ms Bernadette A. Lambi, stressed the need for timely interventions to prevent vulnerable women from remaining trapped in poverty and passing such challenges on to future generations.
As part of the programme, organisers announced plans to secure shared accommodation for beneficiaries in the Madina area to provide stable living conditions and facilitate their participation in training activities.
A development advocate, Ramatu Gumah, called for increased investment in education and empowerment programmes to support vulnerable groups.
Health professionals at the event also urged low-income households to prioritise healthy nutrition despite prevailing economic challenges.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
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