On September 15, 2022, at the Ecobank Headquarters in Accra, the West Africa Fashion Council and the Office of the Vice President of the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF) will launch their first initiative to empower women, under the theme “Growing with Women in Handicraft”.
According to H.E. Spark Julius Zuta, Vice President of AfYEF, the handcraft industry contributes significantly to the nation’s economy by creating jobs for young people and bringing in a sizable amount of foreign exchange.
“The handicraft industry is an area of commerce that involves the production and sale of handmade items. These items are sometimes one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork, but in rare cases may include mass-produced handcrafts.
“Contribution of the handcraft industry to the development of the country cannot be overlooked. In light of this, we have teamed up with Ecobank’s Head of Women Desk, Dr Loretta Sarpong to mobilise women across the country to train and nurture illiterates and those who do not have access to formal education”, he said.
H.E Spark Julius Zuta went on to explain that Growing With Women In Handicraft will provide funding, basic business training, and management skills to women so they may start and operate their own businesses.
“They will learn the required skills and expertise that is needed in fashion, beads, bangles making, bags, footwear making and other artefacts. Unemployed women will be able to earn a living after acquiring these basic skills,” he added.
Speakers at the event will include Juliet Ibrahim, an actress, author, and producer; H.E. Siita Sofo Hissan, president of the AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation; Dr Nze Alexander Nwuba, chairman of the West African Fashion Council; Hadiza Victoria Mamud, CEO of First Rhema Solutions Limited in Nigeria; Dr Loretta Sarpong, head of the women’s desk at Ecobank; Mrs Ewurabena Okrah, CEO of Winglow Clothing and Textile Limited and King Jude Ihenetu, King of the Igbo Community in Ghana.
Ellevate is the sponsor. The program, run by Ecobank, aims to empower women nationwide and teach them in the handicraft industry.
