SWIDA Holds Workshop to Train Young Women in Entrepreneurship and Job Creation

The Patron of the Development of Hospitality, Tourism and Management (HTM) of the Tamale Technical University (TaTU), Mr. Stanley Cowther has encouraged young women to prioritize opportunity-based ventures to create jobs.

He said there were numerous opportunities in the country, as he encouraged young people to identify them to build sustainable enterprises to create more employment.

Mr. Cowther made these comments in a presentation at a two-day career and job fair mentorship workshop held in Tamale, to whip up young people’s interests in entrepreneurship, organized by the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana).

Under the theme “Building Your Foundation for Women”, the workshop was organized in partnership with the HTM at TaTU, the northern regional directorate of the National Service Scheme, the northern regional directorate of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Samakose.

At the workshop, there were sub-activities including the exhibition of products, panel discussions, speed mentoring, CV preparation training, as well as networking.

Some human resource professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and job recruiters were present to provide mentorship for graduate students and other young women entrepreneurs on career and business management skills.

Executive Director for SWIDA-Ghana, Hajia Alima Sagito-Saeed said in her address, that the workshop was aimed at securing economic rights for women, which will ultimately contribute to addressing issues of gender-based violence in communities.

She said it was meant to dispel some misconceptions associated with women entrepreneurs and to equip them with the skills needed to operate businesses successfully.

She advised participants to take advantage of the training, to network and learn new skills and innovations to improve their careers and enterprises.

Chief Executive Officer of Balmaisha Foundation, Hajia Fayudatu Yakubu who coached the participants on CV preparation, advised the potential employees and entrepreneurs to develop compelling proposals and CVs to attract the attention of employers and investors.

She urged the youth to prioritize self-improvement, continuous professional development and networking, to enhance productivity.

Some participants who shared their impressions with SWIDA-Ghana after the training said it had provided them the opportunity to network with seasoned entrepreneurs to learn from their challenges and success stories.

The workshop was organized as part of the implementation of the “Advocacy Actions for Women Economic Security and Justice in Agricultural Activities in Northern Ghana” project, funded by the Africa Women’s Development Fund (AWDF).