Under this programme women are mobilized into groups and empowered to undertake various income generating and economically viable ventures such as palm oil processing, soap making and other activities that will enable them to earn some income to support themselves and their families. The groups are also linked to financial institutions available to enable them improve their businesses and enhance their profit margin. In addition, they are educated on government policies, environmental hygiene and sanitation, home management, child welfare and entrepreneurial skills among many others.
During the quarter under review, in collaboration with Business Advisory Centre (BAC) an agency that seeks to prepare persons and groups to be entrepreneurs, and to equip them by linking them to government or state owned initiated programmes and activities for the establishment of businesses to spearhead local and economic development, the Department monitored the activity of Biakoye Womens’ Group at Manso and they were taken through the following:
- 1. The need to formally register the group
- 2. The stages of group formation
- 3. Conflict resolution
- 4. Safety and neatness at the workplace (in order not to contaminate their produce and work space)
- 5. Ways and plans to convince the youth (especially their children and young ones in their families) to engage and support the group in the production and sale of their produce.
- 6. Functions of the department and BAC
- 7. Financial assistance and support in terms of Machinery and maintenance of their machines.
In addition to the above, the team then assessed their machines in order to advice the group on the way forward when it comes to procurement or maintenance of their machines.
The group has a total number of Twenty one (21) members but as at the time of visiting there were Sixteen (16) members available.
The team members didn’t promise them anything but prayed for them that they will do their possible best to support them in addressing these challenges and equally encouraged them to work on the points they were sensitized on. The team assured them they will be frequently paying visit to their workplace for further engagement.
The Team Members are made up BAC. Mr Francis, Head of SWCD Mr. William Smith, Assistant Community Development Officer Miss Sarah Ampofo.