In recognition of the International Women’s Day Celebration, some groups in the Gumo community of the Kumbungu district organised an event to commemorate the day. As a core mandate of the Women Innovation for Sustainable Enterprises (WISE) project, uplifting and empowering women socially and economically is vital. The project has, through its components, provided several avenues to transform the lives of women across its implementing districts; Tolon and Kumbungu. Celebrating International Women’s Day is one of the recognized activities that are executed in selected communities every year by URBANET Ghana. This is to provide a platform for women to share their experiences and some of the transformative impact they have acquired so far.

This year, URBANET Ghana, in collaboration with Plan International Ghana, selected the Galinkpegu community in the Tolon district to host the celebration of International Women’s Day for its WISE beneficiaries/mentees. However, women in the Gumo community of the Kumbungu district challenged themselves to organize the same event in honour of the day. These amazing women were able to not only recognise the day but also see the need to organize an event to celebrate the day themselves, a testimony that, these inspired entrepreneurial women are making an effort to transform their lives. Through consultations and fundraising, they were able to bring together stakeholders within and outside their districts.

As part of ensuring the success of this project, we allow women to practicalize whatever they learn from pieces of training organised for them, as well as involve them in activities that boost their confidence level and build their self-esteem. Having a group of women take the initiative to bring such an event to life was very rewarding and indicates that the sustainability of the project is assured.

The WISE team that was present at the event commended the women for their exceptional work and encouraged them to generate more transformative ideas that will enhance the lives of other women, the community, and the district at large. This initiative has served as a pathway for other groups within the district to challenge themselves to become advocates for transformational development. URABANET Ghana is honoured to be a part of their journey and has promised to provide the necessary support they need each step of the way.