By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched an initiative dubbed the “SheTrades Ghana Hub” in Accra.
The SheTrades Initiative, a flagship program of the ITC, a global movement dedicated to creating an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs and traders worldwide is said to be a transformative drive aimed at empowering Ghanaian women-led businesses (WLBs) across the country.
According to the initiators, the center which will be hosted by GEPA represents a significant leap forward in advancing women’s economic empowerment through trade in Ghana.
Anchored in the belief that empowering women is pivotal for sustainable development, SheTrades facilitates access to essential resources, networks, and opportunities crucial for the success of women in international trade.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEPA, Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare I, underscored the importance of this initiative, stating: ” The She Trades initiatives, which represents more than a collaboration, supports women to showcase their products and services to international buyers, access learning, investment, and business opportunities to take their businesses global in a sustainable manner.
Through this partnership of GEPA and the ITC, She Trades initiatives, aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where women entrepreneurs have access to the tools, resources, and networks necessary to thrive in the global markets.” She explained.
Osafohene Dr. Asabea Asare I, further elaborated on the established connection between GEPA and the ITC: “Throughout the years, GEPA has forged impactful collaborations with the International Trade Centre, significantly benefiting women-led businesses.
“Our joint endeavours, ranging from comprehensive training sessions on packaging to engaging seminars, have proven instrumental in empowering these businesses, equipping them with the right tools and the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace.” She added.
The CEO of GEPA expressed her outfit’s profound appreciation to its esteemed partners, the International Trade Centre and the United Kingdom International Development, for their steadfast support in realising the She Trades Ghana Hub, adding that their collaborative efforts have been pivotal in actualising this transformative initiative, heralding a future characterised by enhanced inclusivity and the development and promotion of women in trade.
On her part, ITC’s Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: “With the launch of the SheTrades Ghana Hub, we look forward to seeing more Ghanaian women take advantage of opportunities in trade, to earn higher incomes, create jobs and contribute to their families and communities.
This latest chapter in our long-standing partnership with GEPA will help ensure women have access to the information, skills and networks they need to succeed in global markets.”
According to Pamela Coke-Hamilton, the objectives of the She Trades Ghana Hub are aimed at providing access to training and market opportunities, fostering a community of critical partners, and supporting gender-inclusive policy advocacy.
“Through a series of activities, including workshops, discussions, and networking sessions, the SheTrades Ghana Hub endeavours to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in the competitive global marketplace.
The inauguration of the SheTrades Ghana Hub today she emphasized epitomises GEPA’s ambition to evolve into a dynamic trade promotion entity of global stature, positioned at the forefront of advancing a dominant and enduring market presence for Ghanaian non-traditional exports.