‘Kayayei’ undergo training in male-dominated trades

Twenty-one head-porters, known as “Kayayei,” are receiving training in trades like painting and tiling. This program aims to help them earn a sustainable income and move off the streets.

The initiative follows a career workshop held last year in Accra. It took place in the CMB area, Osu, and Darkuman markets. The goal was to provide employable skills to these women.

This project is called the Kayayei Assistant Project (KASPRO). It is run by the Purim African Youth Development Platform. The project partners with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Prudential Life Insurance Ghana.

Faisal Bawa from UNFPA said this training will give girls essential skills. It aims to help them escape poverty, sexual exploitation, and gender-based violence. He emphasized that keeping them off the streets is crucial for their future opportunities.

Reverend Aku Xornam Kevi leads the Purim African Youth Development Platform Office. He explained that they initially planned to train girls in dressmaking and soapmaking. However, they later expanded to include male-dominated fields like tiling and painting.

He stated that encouraging girls to learn these skills helps break gender stereotypes. It empowers them economically and shows that women can excel in these trades.

The trainees are paired with master craftsmen for hands-on experience. After completing their training, they will have industrial attachments with leading companies.

To ensure safety, accommodation has been provided at Denkyira and Ashaley Botwe. Girls learning painting are trained at Kaprisky Creations Ghana, while tiling trainees work with Skilful Tiling Company.

Several beneficiaries shared their experiences with the Ghana News Agency. Amina, a 14-year-old trainee, expressed her happiness about leaving Kayayei work behind. She said she feels excited to learn how to tile buildings.

Rahinatu echoed her sentiments, noting people’s surprise at seeing females as tilers. She believes they will earn good money after completing their training.

Trainees receive stipends during their apprenticeship periods for support. Rev Kevi mentioned this financial aid helps reduce stress during training.

Ms Gifty Owusu from Prudential Life Insurance Ghana reaffirmed their commitment to such initiatives. She highlighted its importance for promoting economic and social stability.

Since 2020, UNFPA Ghana and Prudential Life Insurance Ghana have empowered vulnerable women through KASPRO. They provide vocational training, industrial attachments, and financial support specifically for Kayayei.