In Damongo, the Generating Revenue and Opportunities for Women to Improve Nutrition in Ghana (GROWING) project took center stage in honor of International Women’s Day, advocating for gender inclusion and empowerment in agriculture and nutrition. Spearheaded by Project Manager Patricia Gyan Bassani, the initiative aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting gender equality and sustainable development.
Since its establishment in 2022, the GROWING project has been a catalyst for change, employing an integrated climate-smart agriculture-nutrition-marketing approach to empower women and challenge societal norms. Patricia Bassani underscored the project’s dedication to advancing gender equality within households, where decisions regarding farming practices and nutrition significantly impact women’s lives.
“Our endeavors extend beyond crop promotion; we are empowering women with the knowledge and resources to prepare nutritious meals for their families,” elaborated Bassani. “Through the promotion of climate-smart agriculture and provision of essential planting materials, such as groundnuts in the Savannah region, we are enhancing food security and fostering sustainable livelihoods for women.”
Aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), the project aims to tackle key gender disparities by advocating for women’s participation in decision-making processes at the community and household levels. Furthermore, the celebration included a cooking competition between women and men, highlighting women’s culinary skills and the importance of nutrition education.
“We firmly believe in the pivotal role of women in societal development and economic advancement,” asserted Bassani. “By advocating for women’s involvement in decision-making and facilitating access to farming land, we contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).”
Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the GROWING project operates through a consortium comprising leading organizations like the International Potato Center and CARE International. Collaborating with government institutions such as the Department of Agriculture and the Ghana Health Services, as well as local NGOs like Shung, Ebanet, and Riase, the project aims to impact 180 communities across Ghana.
The International Women’s Day celebration saw participation from women’s groups, gender advocates, government officials, and community members, showcasing a collective commitment to advancing gender equality. With a focus on empowering women and ensuring financial and nutritional security for all, the GROWING project exemplifies the transformative potential of collaborative efforts aligned with the SDGs.
As the event concluded, participants echoed the theme of “Inspiring Inclusion,” urging continued support from stakeholders, traditional leaders, and policymakers to build a more equitable and sustainable future. In a world striving for progress and equality, initiatives like the GROWING project serve as catalysts for change, bridging the gap between aspiration and action in pursuit of a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
