LocationsEmpowering women and youth to break the cycle of violence
March 25, 2025
Group photo of some beneficiaries
In Ghana, many women and youth face significant challenges in accessing economic opportunities and participating in decision-making processes. This has contributed to increasing numbers of unemployment, poverty, and vulnerability to violence.
Elizabeth Abule Yilewole, a woman from the in the Upper West Region of Ghana, had always dreamed of learning a skill to support her family. However, she lacked the resources and opportunities to make her dream a reality.
“I had always wanted to learn a skill that I can use to support my family at home. But this did not materialize on time as I envisioned”, she explained.
In the frame is Elizabeth Abule Yilewole, receiving her tools from Edward Ampratwum Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance on the left.
Many women and youth in Elizabeth's community face similar challenges. The lack of economic opportunities and idle hands have led some to join bad gangs, causing chaos in the community. However, Elizabeth was determined to break this cycle. She decided to learn how to sew clothes, a skill that would enable her to cater to her family's needs.
However, Elizabeth's progress was soon hindered by another challenge: despite completing her skills training program in 2016, she didn't have the required tools and resources to launch her business.
“I graduated from my skills learning in 2016. I was very excited that I have finally learned something I can make money from to be able to take care of the family and support home. But after this time, I was back home because I didn't have machines and other items needed to start the business”, she narrated
To address this gap, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, andworking together with partners including CAPECS Ghana, National Peace Council, Center for Democratic Governance Ghana (CDD), WANEP-Ghana, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), HOLIDO, and META Foundation have supported over 850 women and youth like Elizabeth across the three Northern Regions of Ghana.
These beneficiaries received a range of vocational tools and equipment to enhance their skills and support income-generating activities. “We at UNDP, we believe that investing in communities to sustain peace remains very critical towards the developmental gains or development of the society. That is why we have partnered with key institutions to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals are supported to tackle the root causes of violence extremism”, noted Edward Ampratwum, Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance, UNDP Ghana.
Edward Ampratwum, Head of Accountable Governance Delivering his remarks
Emmanuel Dabrah, a young man from the region, is another beneficiary of the UN Peacebuilding Fund Project initiative. After completing his junior high school education, Emmanuel lacked the support to continue his schooling. However, through the livelihood support program, he received training on animal rearing and was provided with livestock to start his business. “Thanks to support from UNDP and partners, I was given some animals to rear them and with this support, I now have something substantial to do and also support my younger siblings at home”, he narrated.
From the right in black shirt is the CAPECS lead, Abu Dokuwie Alhassan and next to him on his left is one of the beneficiaries and also next to him on his left also is Emmanuel Dabrah
Through this intervention, many women and youth like Elizabeth and Emmanuel are benefiting from the livelihood support initiative. They are receiving the necessary resources and training to enhance their productivity, promote self-sufficiency, and improve their economic opportunities.
As noted by Elizabeth, “I was very excited when I got selected to be part of the beneficiaries. This was very fulfilling, and I knew that this is my breakthrough, and it was time for me to finally put my skill to practice and also I had the passion to train other young girls in my community”, she explained
This initiative is part of UNDP's broader strategy to promote inclusive governance, social cohesion, and economic empowerment under the UN Peacebuilding Fund Project. Through partnerships with local authorities, civil society organizations, and government institutions, UNDP continues to support skills development and ensure sustainable impact.
The Regional Peace Council Representative Clifford Tampouri added, “The livelihood support program is a critical intervention that addresses the root causes of violent extremism. By providing women and youth with the necessary resources and training, we are empowering them to break the cycle of violence and promote sustainable development”.
The Regional Peace Council Representative Clifford Tampouri, delivering his remarks
CAPECS Lead Abu Dokuwie Alhassan also emphasized, “The partnership with UNDP and other stakeholders is crucial in promoting inclusive governance and social cohesion. We are committed to supporting the livelihood support program and ensuring that it achieves its intended objectives”.
CAPECS Lead Abu Dokuwie Alhassan, making his submission
The initiative has also been replicated in Bunkpurugu in the North East Region of Ghana, where women and youth from Bunkpurugu-Nankpanduri, Yunyoo-Nasuan and Cheiriponi districts received livelihood support items including millet, groundnut and irrigation machines to facilitate their businesses.
Speaking at the handing over event, Fati Attahiru, Acting Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana noted that, “at UNDP, we firmly believe that sustainable development is only possible when individuals and communities have access to the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive. The livelihood support equipment and tools being handed over today are not just a set of tools, they will go a long way create economic independence, and long-term prosperity among various community members”.
Fati Attahiru, Acting Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, delivering her remarks
George Dam, Executive Director of Holistic Livelihood Development Organization (HOLIDO), added, “Economic empowerment is the backbone of peaceful and resilient communities. We are proud to partner with UNDP Ghana to provide livelihood support to community members, especially women and youth, to unlock their potential and contribute to sustainable development and peacebuilding”.
The Paramount Chief Bunkpurugu Traditional Area Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong also expressed his gratitude to UNDP and its partners for the initiative, saying, “We are grateful for the support provided to our women and youth. This initiative will go a long way in promoting economic empowerment and peacebuilding in our community”.
From the left is the Paramount Chief Bunkpurugu Traditional Area Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong, and next to him is Melody Azinim Peace Analyst UNDP Ghana, next to her is George Dam, Executive Director of Holistic Livelihood Development Organization (HOLIDO), and next to him is a beneficiary and finally, is the acting Deputy Resident Representative in Ghana Fati Attahiru
Through this initiative, UNDP and its partners are committed to promoting sustainable development and peacebuilding in Ghana. By empowering women and youth with the necessary resources and training, we are breaking the cycle of violence and promoting a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
Fati Attahiru, Acting Deputy Resident Representative in Ghana, handing over some irrigation equipment to beneficiaries.
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