Women’s Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods Initiative in Ghana and Senegal

This project seeks to address COVID-19 challenges through a youth-centered and gender-responsive economic empowerment project. This project aims to increase economic empowerment to strengthen resilience for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) most affected by COVID-19 in targeted areas in Ghana and Senegal. The project’s locally-led approach harnesses proven resources from training, mentoring and curriculum programs in skills development and entrepreneurship through in-person and adapted digital models. Project activities include: (1) sensitizing community members (men, women, boys and girls) on AGYW participation in entrepreneurship; (2) scaling-up economic activities in informal sector opportunities created by COVID-19; (3) providing (COVID-19)-adapted training to AGYW in entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods and support; (4) raising awareness on gender-based violence and support services provided during COVID-19; and (5) building network opportunities for AGYW entrepreneurs and investors. The project aims to reach over 6,700 AGYW in Ghana, over 3,200 AGYW in Senegal and indirectly benefits approximately 50,000 (of which 50% women) in the targeted project areas.