Empowering Women in Technical Trades Through the Partnership of WUSC, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, and the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry
In a remarkable step toward gender equality and skills development in Ghana, 145 young women have graduated from intensive training programs in technical and vocational education through the “Invest in Her” Project, an initiative spearheaded by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), in collaboration with the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation and the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GCCI).
The graduation ceremony took place on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the GNAT Hall in Kumasi, and celebrated the achievements of the third cohort of women trained in fields that are traditionally male-dominated. These include Computer Hardware, Networking and Programming, Auto Mechanics, Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation, ICT, Electronics, and Welding & Fabrication, among others.
Breaking Barriers in TVET
The graduates underwent rigorous training across several accredited institutions, including:
•Akenten Appiah Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED)
•Kumasi Technical Institute
•Suame Technical Institute
•Anointed Electronical Institute
The training spanned a period of six months, combining both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical experience designed to prepare these women for real-world technical careers. The program is part of a broader initiative to address the gender gap in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and create new pathways for women to thrive in sectors where their participation has traditionally been limited.
“Invest in Her” Project – A Lifeline for Many
The “Invest in Her” Project is a flagship empowerment initiative supported by WUSC that aims to promote women’s participation in non-traditional trades. The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation served as the implementing partner, bringing its extensive experience in youth empowerment and education to bear on the success of the program.
To alleviate financial barriers that could have hindered participation, the Otumfuo Foundation provided weekly stipends to selected students throughout their training. This support covered basic needs such as transportation, feeding, and learning materials, ensuring that the participants could fully commit to their education and training.
Third Cohort Graduates from AAMUSTED
Earlier this year, the third cohort of the “Invest in Her” trainees completed their program at AAMUSTED. Out of 76 trainees, 15 women graduated with certification in Welding and Fabrication, while 61 earned certificates in Computer Hardware, Networking, and Programming. These accomplishments reflect the growing interest and capacity among women to explore and excel in previously male-dominated technical fields.
The success of this program signals a transformative shift in how society perceives the role of women in the technical workforce and highlights the urgent need for continued investment in gender-responsive education policies and initiatives.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, established under the leadership of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has long been committed to creating opportunities for the youth of Asanteman and Ghana at large. Through strategic partnerships like this, the Foundation continues to pave the way for inclusive development, poverty alleviation, and economic transformation, especially among vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the graduation, representatives from the Foundation, Mr Kwabena Owusu Ababio and partner organizations commended the resilience of the students and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting similar initiatives that empower women to achieve their full potential.
Looking Ahead
As the graduates step into the workforce, many are already being considered for internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities in reputable companies. Others are exploring entrepreneurship, equipped with the technical skills and confidence to start their own businesses.
The “Invest in Her” initiative is more than a training program—it is a movement to reshape gender narratives in Ghana’s technical landscape and provide sustainable futures for young women across the country.
By empowering one woman at a time, the Otumfuo Foundation, WUSC, and GCCI are helping to build a Ghana where opportunities in science, technology, and skilled trades are accessible to all—regardless of gender.