The Empower Her 2.0 Skills Training Project, organized by the Peculiar Women of Substance Foundation (PWS), was held from August 30th to 31st, 2025, in Have-Etoe, Volta Region. The goal of the initiative was to equip teen mothers and widows with practical vocational skills that could help them start small businesses,
earn income, and become self-reliant. This project was made possible through the generous support of various sponsors across Ghana.

OBJECTIVES

  • Deliver hands-on training in selected vocational skills.
  • Empower women to start and manage small businesses.
  • Encourage economic independence and entrepreneurship.
  • Foster a supportive community among participants.

ARRIVAL & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

On August 30th, the PWS team departed Accra at 4:00 AM and arrived in Have-Etoe around 9:00 AM. Upon arrival, the team was warmly received by traditional leaders, including the Chiefs, the Clan Queen Mother, and the Assembly Woman. Notably, the Paramount Queen Mother was in town and offered her blessings, having been engaged and briefed in advance. The training began with a solemn dedication of the community church, which had been offered for the two-day event. After registration and orientation of participants, the training sessions officially began.

PARTICIPATION OVERVIEW

Over the two-day period, a total of 274 individuals participated:

  • 250 participants on Day 1.
  • 24 joined on Day 2.
  • The ice cream-making session had approximately 300 participants.

SKILLS TRAINED

  1. Tie and Dye Making – 120 Participants
    Participants learned folding, tying, and dyeing techniques, and received starter kits including dyes, plain fabric, gloves, and rubber bands.
  2. Liquid Soap Making – 89 Participants
    Participants were taught how to make soap using caustic soda, soda ash, and fragrance. Each received a starter pack to begin production.
  3. Fabric Softener Production – 65 Participants
    This session covered ingredient mixing, packaging, and small-scale distribution strategies.
  4. Ice Cream Making – Approx. 300 Participants
    Participants were taught how to make cocoa, custard, and coconut ice cream. This fun and interactive session served as a bonus income-generating skill.

REFRESHMENTS

Participants were given 15-minute breaks with chilled local beverages, and team members used this time for
rest and meals.

TRAINING STRUCTURE & DELIVERY

Each session included:

  • Introduction to tools and materials.
  • Demonstrations by facilitators.
  • Hands-on practice.
  • Discussions on business strategies.
    Language barriers were resolved through local interpreters.

PRE-TRAINING PREPARATIONS

The team visited Have-Etoe in advance to meet community leaders, register participants, and coordinate logistics with a local liaison.

ACHIEVEMENTS & OUTCOMES

  • 274 women and girls trained in four practical skills.
  • Distribution of starter packs to top performers.
  • Encouragement for immediate application of skills.
  • Strengthened community relationships.

CHALLENGES FACED

  • Funding delays.
  • Session coordination for large groups.
  • Language barriers (resolved with interpreters).

CONCLUSION

The Empower Her 2.0 Skills Training Project delivered practical, life-changing skills to the women of Have-Etoe. The PWS Foundation looks forward to expanding this initiative to other communities.

Project Report
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