Savana Signatures Unites Grassroots Women for International Women’s Day Celebration.

Savana Signatures Unites Grassroots Women for International Women’s Day Celebration

On the occasion of the 2024 International Women’s Day, Savana Signatures brought together traders from diverse sectors, mainly women, including those with disabilities, to collectively celebrate their successes, challenges, and opportunities in their entrepreneurial journeys.

The forum was aimed at inspiring and empowering women to embrace entrepreneurship and leadership roles within their communities. Participants engaged in discussions centered on overcoming barriers to economic inclusion, and introduced to various opportunities, ranging from business management to financial assistance, designed to enhance their businesses and boost their economic status.

Under the theme “Empowering Women, Accelerating Progress: Investing in Economic Inclusion for Women,” Savana Signatures used the forum to reaffirm its commitment to empowering women to fast-track their progress towards economic inclusion.

Panellists for the forum, Hajia Ayisha Seidu, the MCE for Savalegu; Alhassan Bushira, the Northern Regional Director of the Department of Gender; and Ms. Marie Vanderpuye, the Country Representative & Project Lead of Youth Challenge International, provided invaluable insights into the importance of investing in economic inclusion for women.

Emefa Ehla, Ag. Head of Programmes at Savana Signatures highlighted the persistent global discrimination faced by women and emphasised Savana Signatures’ commitment to empowering women and girls to assert their independence and rights in all aspects of life.

In her keynote address, Ms. Vanderpuye underscored the importance of women’s welfare to overall development. She urged women to break barriers in areas such as education, politics, and health, citing economic empowerment as a vital tool for overcoming obstacles to development.

Despite the strides made in women’s economic inclusion, Ms. Vanderpuye acknowledged existing challenges, particularly in the implementation of policies aimed at promoting gender inclusivity.

Highlighting the importance of prioritising economic inclusion, she stressed on the need for women to rise above circumstances regardless of their backgrounds, while also calling for the support of men in this endeavour.

During the discussions, participants identified key barriers hindering their progress, including unpaid care work, lack of funding and entrepreneurial skills, and early marriages. They also emphasised the importance of access to resources, business networking, opportunities, coaching, and mentorship for women entrepreneurs to thrive.