As part of her Sustainable Livelihood program for Women in the Bongo District, the Parliamentary Candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party,( NPP) for the Bongo Constituency of the Upper East Region, Diana Aburiya, has led the training of 100 women in soap-making.
The candidate, who calls herself “a mother for all” believes that acquiring entrepreneurial skills is key to women’s empowerment.
She stated that many of the women expressed interest in acquiring soap-making skills reason the attention has been turned to soap-making this time. However, others expressed interest in other categories of skills.
Madam Aburiya is hopeful that the women will be able to produce soap for their use in the house and for sale to rake in some income, which is the main aim of the entrepreneurial skills training programme.
With poverty being the main driver of rural-urban migration, she is optimistic that the training of some residents of the constituency especially women will reduce the rural-urban drift.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the training on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, she noted that the trainees were selected from all sections of the constituency and without political considerations as she urged them to utilize the newly acquired skills to improve their lives.
“The majority of people who suffer the consequences of poverty are women and children because of that we have identified the various interest areas of women that were identified and have decided to engage those who want to learn how to make soap. This is important because you can produce for your household use and for sale”.
“It is poverty that drives people from their homes to other places so many people run down south. So, this training will help reduce rural-urban migration. Noticing some of the jobs they go to do over there, I think they will stay home and engage in this and help in the developmental agenda of our district.” She stressed.
One of the beneficiaries Akurugu Majoara, described the training as helpful and timely since she was already lacing her boots to go to Kumasi. “I think this training is very important to me. When I came here I learned a lot. I was even watching TV to go to Kumasi and learn it but I am happy for this opportunity.” She stated.
Another beneficiary, Magaret Atindana said, “When they called me for this training, I was happy because I am not engaged in anything but I know after this training, I am going to have something to do.” She added.
Meanwhile, Madam Aburiya stated other skill areas will equally receive similar attention to get more women trained.
