Women Accelerate Progress (WAP) Project
The Women Accelerate Progress (WAP) Project, with funds from African Women Development Fund aimed to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) by implementing a series of impactful activities designed to empower women, girls, and minority groups across various regions.
One of the key activities was the Women Leadership Summit for widows, held in the Sekyere East District Effiduase, Ashanti Region. This summit aimed to provide a platform for widows to share their experiences, receive support, and gain leadership skills. Additionally, IWD commemorations were conducted at Ahmadiyya Girls Senior High School in Asokore, Ashanti Region, and Sefwi Adabokrom Senior High School in the Western North Region. These events brought together hundreds of students and teachers, fostering discussions on gender equality and the importance of women’s contributions to society.
A self-care workshop was also organized for young feminists, focusing on promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This workshop equipped participants with the tools and strategies needed to maintain their health and resilience while advocating for women’s rights. Furthermore, the project included skills training for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, providing them with valuable skills to improve their livelihoods and enhance their self-sufficiency.
An integral part of the WAP Project was the online advocacy campaign, which aimed to reach a wide audience through social media platforms. This campaign focused on promoting gender equality, challenging stereotypes, and amplifying the voices of women. By leveraging the power of online platforms, the project sought to inspire and mobilize individuals to take action towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
The grant provided by the AWDF was timely and crucial in overcoming financial obstacles, enabling the successful planning and execution of these activities. The support allowed the organization to make a significant impact on the lives of women, girls, and minority groups in a broader capacity. The activities not only furthered the organization’s mission of creating positive social change but also enriched the experiences of the team members through their engagement with diverse groups. This enriched experience will be invaluable in the organization’s ongoing advocacy efforts, ensuring that they continue to make meaningful impacts in the communities they serve.
The direct beneficiaries of the WAP Project included 120 widows who attended the Women Leadership Summit, 1,150 senior high school girls and 15 teachers (10 female and 5 male) at the Ahmadiyya Girls Senior High School, and 155 students at the Sefwi Adabokrom Senior High School. Additionally, 25 activists benefited from the self-care workshop, and 30 individuals living with HIV/AIDS received skills training. The online advocacy campaign reached a substantial audience, further extending the project’s impact.
Indirect beneficiaries included the Effiduase community, the Department of Social Welfare of the Sekyere East District Assembly, and the families of the widows. The Ghana Education Service, the Ahmadiyya Girls Senior High School in Asokore, and the families of the students also benefited. Similarly, the Sefwi Adabokrom Senior High School community, the Ghana AIDS Commission, the Social Welfare Department of the Accra Central District Assembly, and the families of various participants indirectly benefited from the project’s activities.
One of the most compelling highlights of the project was the Women Leadership Summit for widows. During this event, participants shared their personal stories and experiences in marriage, career, and widowhood. This sharing revealed common challenges and interconnected struggles, leading the widows to pledge mutual support. This newfound unity strengthened their resolve to challenge the status quo together, demonstrating the power of collective action.
The WAP Project also provided valuable lessons. Effective planning and timely collaborations in advocacy can achieve set objectives and make a significant impact, especially when funds are readily available. The grant enabled the organization to reach a wider audience for various impactful programs with less financial stress, making the work easier and the benefits more lasting for women, girls, minority groups, and the community.
For more information and visual highlights, please refer to the following links:
1. IWD 2024: NGO Holds Women Leadership Summit
3. Minority Group Equipped with Soap Making and Pastry Skills