Gender Ministry, Or Foundation explore partnership to support Kayayei

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has held talks with the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Or Foundation, Ms Liz Ricketts, to explore areas of collaboration aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable women, particularly those engaged in head carrying, commonly known as kayayei.

The meeting focused on strengthening support for women through programmes that promote economic empowerment, child protection and social inclusion.

Dr Lartey commended the Or Foundation for its efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable women and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. She reaffirmed the Ministry's readiness to work with organisations whose interventions support the Government's social protection and women's empowerment agenda.

Ms Ricketts briefed the Minister on the Foundation's work in Kantamanto Market, where it has implemented programmes in environmental justice, community development and economic empowerment.

She said the Foundation had supported more than 300 women to move away from head carrying through skills training, paid apprenticeship opportunities, healthcare support and assistance to establish small businesses.

The Foundation also shared findings from its research on the health effects of head carrying. According to the research, carrying heavy loads over long periods can lead to severe and irreversible spinal injuries.

The delegation also presented the Mabulu Programme, which offers scholarships, vocational training and entrepreneurship support to help women secure sustainable sources of income.

In addition, the Foundation outlined its textile recycling initiative, which transforms textile waste from Kantamanto Market into new products while creating employment opportunities for programme beneficiaries.

A beneficiary of the programme shared her experience during the meeting, explaining that financial hardship forced her into head carrying after relocating to Accra. She said the Foundation's intervention provided her with skills training and renewed confidence to build a better future.

Dr Lartey welcomed the Foundation's approach to addressing the challenges faced by kayayei and stressed the value of partnerships in expanding opportunities for vulnerable women and girls.

She said collaboration between government and development partners remained important in promoting sustainable livelihoods and improving the welfare of disadvantaged groups.

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