Fanteakwa South MP Rallies Behind SafeTrade Advocacy to Promote Women’s Participation in Male-Dominated Trades

As part of the SafeTrade Eastern Project under the WUSC EMPLOY programme, Care for Society Network International (CfSNI), with funding support from the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), is leading a community advocacy campaign to address harmful social norms, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and workplace harassment that discourage women and girls from pursuing careers in male-dominated trades. The initiative promotes safer, more inclusive apprenticeship and work environments while encouraging communities to support women’s participation in technical and vocational occupations.

The advocacy campaign was brought to Osino in the Fanteakwa South District, where the Member of Parliament, Hon. Duke Ofori Atta, joined the engagement to demonstrate his support for the initiative. The MP commended the intervention and pledged to champion the advocacy within his constituency by mobilising community support and creating opportunities for women pursuing technical and vocational careers.

The one-day sensitization programme, held at the Pentecost Church in Osino, brought together young women, community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to discuss the importance of breaking gender stereotypes in vocational and technical careers.

Speaking to the media, the Executive Director of Care for Society Network International, Madam Anita Amoako-Gyimah, said the initiative seeks to inspire girls and women in Fanteakwa South to consider careers in trades such as masonry, carpentry, driving, spraying, plaster of Paris (POP) works, and other technical professions.

According to her, many parents and guardians still believe that certain occupations are reserved for men, while trades such as hairdressing and dressmaking are exclusively for women. She stressed that such perceptions continue to limit opportunities for many talented young women.

Madam Amoako-Gyimah noted that another major challenge is the fear of sexual harassment, workplace violence, and exploitation, as some female apprentices reportedly face inappropriate advances, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions during their training. She called for stronger community support systems, safer apprenticeship environments, and effective reporting and protection mechanisms for women pursuing careers in technical fields.

She emphasized that there is no such thing as “men’s work” or “women’s work,” adding that women have excelled in professions once considered male-dominated, including aviation and engineering.

“What men can do, women can also do, and sometimes even better. Not everyone is destined to work in an office. Many young women have practical skills and talents that deserve encouragement and support,” she said.

She explained that the programme is a pilot project being implemented in four districts: Fanteakwa South, Abuakwa South, New Juaben South, and New Juaben North. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, traditional authorities, religious leaders, technical training institutions, and other community stakeholders.

For his part, Hon. Duke Ofori Atta expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout and described the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with his vision of empowering women economically and promoting skills development in the constituency.

The MP commended Care for Society Network International and WUSC for bringing the SafeTrade advocacy campaign to Fanteakwa South and pledged his full support in championing its objectives. He said he would continue to rally community leaders, parents, and young people behind the campaign while supporting women who are already undergoing technical skills training and those aspiring to enter male-dominated trades.

According to him, his office will provide tools, equipment, and financial assistance to beneficiaries to help them establish sustainable livelihoods.

Hon. Ofori Atta stressed that the programme marks the beginning of a sustained advocacy effort to create safer workplaces, challenge harmful gender norms, empower women through technical skills, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the district.

He encouraged young women to take advantage of the opportunities available and assured them of his continuous support in helping them build successful careers in technical and vocational professions.

By: Nana Kwabena Addo/ Radio1.