Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) North has held its fourth Annual General Conference, celebrating the achievements of its journey so far and announcing a major transition from a project into a long-term institutional structure known as the WEE North Network.
The event was held under the theme: “Building, Leading, Thriving: Celebrating Trade Women and the WEE North Journey.”
The conference also recognized a major milestone—2,382 young women have successfully completed industrial trades training under the WEE North initiative.
These trainings span a wide range of technical fields including welding, plumbing, engineering, block laying, carpentry, electricals, small engine repair, tractor operation, tailoring, and other male-dominated sectors.
Organizers say the transition to the WEE North Network marks a significant step toward sustaining the gains made over the past six years.
The new network will provide continuous support for women in industrial trades across all 55 districts of Northern Ghana, ensuring long-term impact beyond the project phase.
Delivering a keynote address, the Chairperson emphasized the need to challenge stereotypes and expand opportunities for women in technical fields.
She noted:
“We are gathered with a shared purpose—to challenge norms, expand opportunity, and affirm that technical and vocational excellence knows no gender.”
She added that WEE North has transformed the narrative by equipping women to enter fields once reserved for men, fostering a future defined by choice rather than limitation.
“You are proving that when we invest in women, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger economy,” she said.
Representing Global Affairs Canada, Yaa Nkansah Aning, International Assistance Officer, praised the partnership with Alinea Foundation over the past six years. She said the initiative sought to remove gender-specific barriers in technical and vocational education while enhancing women’s economic empowerment, well-being, and inclusive growth in Northern Ghana.
According to her, this aligns with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).
She revealed that through the Innovation for Women’s Economic Empowerment (IWEEG) program, Canada has invested $31 million to support women’s economic advancement, with WEE North being one of the flagship projects under the initiative.
Project Manager Nancy Dros expressed excitement about the transition from a project to a sustainable network, stressing that the momentum built so far must be protected. She highlighted the significance of training women in occupations traditionally dominated by men.
In her remarks, she stated:
“We have already trained almost 2,400 young women in trades like plumbing, tiling, welding, electricals, small engine repair, and tractor driving. These industries have long been seen as male-only spaces, but we are changing that. Our goal is to change the face of industrial trades in Northern Ghana.”
She added that the WEE North Network will ensure women continue to play an integral role in emerging industries and national development initiatives, including the government’s 24-hour economy vision.
“Women should be part of construction teams, part of new industries, and have equal opportunity to benefit from growth and expansion in the North,” she emphasized.
She further noted that the future looks promising, with a strong board of eight members—comprising graduates, mentors, and experts—set to steer the new network.
Participants and stakeholders commended WEE North for its transformational impact and expressed optimism that the new network will continue driving economic independence and skills development for women across Northern Ghana.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku
