Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has today unveiled the remarkable ‘Lenegewa’ Women’s Rehabilitation and Skill Development Center, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to transform the lives of vulnerable women trapped in street life and the sex trade.
The center, consisting of 13 impressive structures, including classrooms, student accommodations, vocational training facilities, workshops, psychological support centers, and medical services, aims to provide a holistic approach to empower women.
Designed to empower women through education and skill development, the ‘Lenegewa’ Center offers a comprehensive range of resources.
Vulnerable women admitted to the facility will receive intensive skill training programs lasting from 3 to 6 months, equipping them with the necessary expertise for future employment.
Engaging courses in computer literacy, textile and tailoring, electronics, beauty services, child rearing (tutoring), catering, and hospitality will be offered to maximize their potential.
In
his impassioned speech, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the significance of the project in addressing the pressing issues within society. “This project is an exceptional endeavor among all the projects we have undertaken in Addis Ababa thus far,” he remarked.
“By uplifting 10,000 women from their present circumstances and providing them with improved job opportunities, we have the potential to emancipate a hundred thousand women from undesirable circumstances through the establishment of ten analogous centers.” , Abiy Added.
Mayor of Addis Ababa Adanech Abiebie, who has tirelessly championed the cause of women’s empowerment for five years, expressed her belief in the center’s ability to bring about lasting change.
“Today, as we inaugurate this center, we believe that we are sowing the seeds of hope for a brighter tomorrow-an enduring foundation for change,” she said.
“By empowering vulnerable women and equipping them with essential skills and employment opportunities, we aim to pave the way for a fut
ure brimming with hope and promise.” , the mayor added.
According to Adanech ,the inauguration of the ‘Lenegewa’ Women’s Rehabilitation and Skill Development Center signifies a profound commitment to gender equality and the upliftment of women in society. It serves as a beacon of hope, promising a transformative journey towards a more inclusive and prosperous Ethiopia.
The completion of the center within a remarkable 10-month timeframe is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all involved, it was learned.
Women undergoing training at the facility will have access to a well-stocked library, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and sports facilities, enhancing their personal growth and well-being.
Recognizing the challenges faced by women seeking employment in Arab countries, the center also provides essential awareness training to ensure their safety and well-being during their time abroad.
Furthermore, the center has allocated a significant portion of its land for urban agriculture, fostering sustaina
bility and self-sufficiency.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
Mr. Kwame Oppong, the Head of FinTech and Innovation, Bank of Ghana (BOG), says the 3i Summit would position Ghana as a preferred destination for fintech investments in Africa.
He said the attention, participation, and attendance of the global stalwarts in the fintech ecosystem at the 3i Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Ghana, would attract the needed investment to the country.
He made the remarks during the Ghana Fintech and Payments Association Awards event, which was held in Accra.
The Fintech Awards programme is an event that awards promising and successful fintech and payments companies which have succeeded in their various niches and roles in the previous year.
It is also an event that brings various stakeholders within the fintech ecosystem together to deliberate on how to improve the industry in the subsequent year.
Over the past few years, fintech companies both inside and outside of Ghana have enjoyed a rapid rise in popularity, as Ghana becomes more attractive, thought to be home to
more than 70 fintech businesses.
Mr. Oppong said the 3i summit would provide a platform for policy discourse, entrepreneurial investments, and networking for stakeholders in the industry.
Mr. Oppong urged industry players to come on board to facilitate and support the organisation and completion of the summit.
‘I therefore extend an invitation to all banks and fintech companies to fully participate in diverse ways to organise this summit. Together, we can make the summit a success for all of us in the industry. The summit is for all of us to participate, so let us come on board and work together,’ he said.
He underscored the roles fintech companies had played in driving Ghana’s financial inclusiveness, as the country’s financial inclusion index improved from 58 per cent in 2017 to 68 per cent in 2021.
3i Africa Summit is a fintech festival to drive innovation, investment, and impact for Africa’s fintech and financial services sectors.
The initiative was jointly developed by the Bank of Ghana, the Moneta
ry Authority of Singapore,Development Bank Ghana, and Elevandi.
The 3i Summit is scheduled to take place in Ghana from May 13 to May 15, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Nana Hemaa Ama Anim, Vice President for Women in Fintech, said the awards had been catalyst for inspiration, fostering creativity, partnerships, and celebrating progress, not just in the fintech industry but in the entire financial sector.
She said the association had introduced initiatives to improve gender inclusiveness for women to also participate in the industry.
She said the, ‘Women in FinTech’ programme aimed at closing the gender disparity, empowering women, and supporting the creation of fintech companies led by women.
Source: Ghana News Agency