150 Women Trained in Construction Skills

   A total of 150 young women have successfully completed a six-month training program aimed at addressing the skills gap and overcoming gender-specific barriers within the construction industry. This program, called “Female Talents in Construction” (FTC), was spearheaded by the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVETS) in collaboration with German Cooperation. The initiative aimed to enhance women’s participation in the sector and provide them with the necessary skills to thrive in construction-related jobs.

The training program comprised two phases: the first three months focused on intensive theoretical instruction, and the remaining three months allowed the trainees to gain practical experience with partner companies. During this period, the participants received hands-on training in various construction-related fields, including heavy-duty machine operation, welding and fabrication, solar and electrical installations, electric vehicle assembly and maintenance, as well as computer hardware, networking, and programming. These skills are critical in modern construction practices and help break gender stereotypes by encouraging women’s involvement in typically male-dominated roles.

At the graduation ceremony, Juliana Nkrumah, the Director of Ghana TVET Service for the Greater Accra Region, emphasized the program’s purpose to empower women in the construction industry. She highlighted the importance of equal contribution from both men and women in building a strong and innovative construction sector. Nkrumah also emphasized that, in addition to the technical skills, the program provided valuable tools and training in business management, financial literacy, and customer service. These skills were aimed at helping the women establish and grow their businesses successfully, especially for those pursuing self-employment opportunities.

Nkrumah urged the graduates to apply their acquired skills in the field, to mentor others, and create opportunities within their communities. By promoting entrepreneurship and employment, she stated that this initiative aims to reduce unemployment while boosting the construction industry’s development and growth in Ghana. She also stressed that empowering women in such sectors is crucial for the country’s broader economic progress.

The initiative also sought to challenge outdated gender stereotypes. Eunice Agyapong, the head of the Invest for Jobs component at GIZ Ghana, pointed out that construction had long been perceived as a “man’s job.” She argued that this belief was not only outdated but harmful. Women bring creativity, new perspectives, and problem-solving abilities to the table, making them valuable contributors to the construction sector. Agyapong further explained that the FTC project built upon the foundation established by the “Professionalisation of Artisans” initiative, which was launched in 2020. Although this earlier initiative trained over 2,000 individuals, it had limited female representation. However, with the FTC project, the number of women involved has significantly increased. Out of the 150 graduates, 86 were women, marking a significant achievement for the program and the industry as a whole.

Dr. Enyonam Kpekpena, President of Women in Engineering (WinE) Ghana, highlighted the continuing underrepresentation of women in engineering fields. She pointed out that only eight percent of registered practitioners with the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) are women. Dr. Kpekpena urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that empower women in construction and other technical fields. She encouraged the graduates to face challenges head-on, build strong professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s national development.

The graduates of the FTC program will receive certifications from the Ghana Institution of Engineering as well as the German Industry and Commerce delegation in Ghana (AHK). These qualifications will significantly enhance their job prospects both locally and internationally, opening up a wider range of employment opportunities in the construction sector.

This project was supported by various partners, including the Ghana Institution of Engineering, the National Service Secretariat, and INZAG GmbH, among others. Their combined efforts have made it possible to launch and sustain this transformative initiative, ensuring that more women are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the construction industry.

The successful completion of this program represents a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in construction and ensuring that women are not only given equal opportunities but also encouraged to become leaders in the sector. By equipping women with practical, in-demand skills, the program is contributing to the long-term growth and diversification of the construction industry in Ghana.