By Philip Tengzu
Danko, (UW/R), June 14, GNA – In many rural communities in the Upper West Region, including the Nandom and Lambussie Districts, poverty, limited livelihood opportunities and financial dependence have constrained the lives of women, particularly widows and single mothers.
In some households, the lack of economic opportunities for women had even led to tensions between spouses as women struggled to contribute to family upkeep.
However, with the introduction of the Healthy Futures for All (HF4A) project in the two districts, the situation had improved, especially among women in the project communities who had taken advantage of the intervention.
The project, implemented by the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), with funding support from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, integrates water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions with livelihood support.
It enabled vulnerable people, especially women, to acquire skills and access support from the WASH Revolving Fund to establish WASH-related businesses to improve their economic fortunes.
At Kelegang in the Lambussie District, members of the Enye Women’s Group 1 had ventured into liquid soap production after receiving training and financial support through the project.
Madam Mercy Wanye, the Group’s Secretary, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Danko in the Nandom Municipality that before joining the initiative, many members of the group, particularly widows, struggled to cater for their children’s needs.
“Before this initiative, some of us in the group were not able to care for our children. Paying their school fees and feeding them at home were very difficult because most of the women in our group are widows”, she said.
She, however, said the 35-member group accessed GH¢133,000.00 from the fund to support their businesses, which had helped reduce their challenges.
Madam Wanye said that had enabled the members to expand their businesses, support their families and improve their savings culture.
She added that the intervention had also improved her relationship with her husband, as she could contribute to their family’s upkeep
At Danko, Madam Jenet Dizaogl had also experienced significant economic transformation through the project.
After receiving training in liquid soap production and GH¢30,000 support, she expanded her business and acquired equipment for soybean cake processing.
“It was difficult paying our children’s school fees, but the business has helped me support my husband in that regard”, she said.
Madam Dizaogl had also trained many women in Danko and neighbouring communities in soap and soybean cake production.
One of her trainees, Madam Diana Tubdaar, a 42-year-old mother of five, said the skills had helped her overcome years of economic hardship.
She recalled that before receiving the training, she struggled to support her children’s education and healthcare needs and sometimes had to carry water for people to earn money to feed her family.
Madam Tubdaar, however, indicated that with the income from soybean cake production, she had joined a Village Savings and Loans Scheme, which had enabled her to take care of her family.
Mr Reginald Sagraza, an artisan in Danko, had also received training in biodigester and improved toilet construction, which he said had enhanced his income status, and also trained over 40 artisans in toilet construction.
Mr Reuben Ottou, Sector Lead at SNV Ghana, said the HF4A Project adopted a market-led approach that linked WASH services with livelihood development.
He said that was because sustainable WASH services could only be achieved if communities had reliable sources of income to maintain facilities and improve their wellbeing.
GNA/
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Philip Tengzu, GNA
Email: [email protected]