LIFE Project expands financial access and literacy training for marginalized women in Sunyani

Women working in Sunyani’s informal sector, especially those running small and medium-sized enterprises, continue to face steep barriers to financial inclusion. High interest rates, limited access to credit, and gaps in financial management skills keep many trapped in unstable income cycles. But a new initiative is helping to change that narrative.

The Livelihood Initiative for Empowerment (LIFE Project) is providing a combination of financial support and practical financial literacy training designed to strengthen women-led SMEs and boost long-term economic security.

The project is implemented by the Global Youth Innovation Center (GYIC) in partnership with Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), an Accra-based NGO, and the Sora Kaufman Fellowship.

Through direct financial assistance, tailored livelihood and financial literacy sessions, and ongoing mentoring, the LIFE Project equips local women with the tools they need to grow sustainable businesses.

Participants receive guidance in budgeting, saving, record-keeping, and responsible money management, skills that help ensure that financial injections translate into lasting business growth.

Beyond training, the project offers consistent mentorship, technical support, and community-driven problem solving. This holistic model is helping women build confidence, stabilize their enterprises, and strengthen their economic resilience.

Project beneficiaries include petty traders, caterers, market vendors, and owners of small retail shops, women who play a vital role in their local economy.

GYIC Executive Director Eric Anorrey described the women’s dedication as “exceptional,” noting that many have already begun to manage their finances more effectively and take greater ownership of their livelihood ventures. “Their enthusiasm and readiness to improve their lives are evident in their consistent participation and eagerness to expand their businesses,” he said.

According to him, participants have shown high levels of commitment since the initial needs assessment, actively engaging in training, adopting improved record-keeping practices, and applying new financial literacy skills to their daily operations.

The LIFE Project emphasizes that its work is not just a livelihood intervention, it is a lifeline for women seeking financial independence.

As more participants build stable income streams and inspire others around them, the project is calling on partners and donors to help scale its impact so more women across the Bono Region can overcome financial barriers and build secure, empowered futures.