Nandom: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, 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 ventured into liquid soap production after receiving training and financial support through the project. Madam Mercy Wanye, the Group's Secretary, shared that before joining the initiative, many members, particularly widows, struggled to cater to their children's needs. The 35-member group accessed GHS133,000.00 from the fund to support their businesses, helping to reduce their challenges. This allowed the members to expand their businesses, support their families, and improve their savings culture. The intervention also improved Madam Wanye's relationship with her husband, as she could contribute to their family's upkeep.
At Danko, Madam Jenet Dizaogl experienced significant economic transformation through the project. After receiving training in liquid soap production and GHS30,000 support, she expanded her business and acquired equipment for soybean cake processing. The business enabled her to support her husband in paying their children's school fees. Madam Dizaogl 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, shared that the skills had helped her overcome years of economic hardship. Before the training, she struggled to support her children's education and healthcare needs and sometimes had to carry water for people to earn money. With the income from soybean cake production, she joined a Village Savings and Loans Scheme, which enabled her to take care of her family.
Mr Reginald Sagraza, an artisan in Danko, received training in biodigester and improved toilet construction, enhancing his income status and training over 40 artisans in toilet construction. Mr Reuben Ottou, Sector Lead at SNV Ghana, stated that the HF4A Project adopted a market-led approach linking WASH services with livelihood development, emphasizing that sustainable WASH services could only be achieved if communities had reliable sources of income to maintain facilities and improve their wellbeing.