EU Enough project - SMAid International

EU Enough Project

EU Enough Project: Empowering Communities in Ghana

In pursuit of gender equality and the eradication of violence against women and girls, SMAid International, in partnership with Oxfam in Ghana and Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF Ghana), implemented the "Enough! Empowering Women, Girls, Boys, and Men to Take Positive Action in Ending SGBV" project in 2022. The European Union supported this four-year initiative to create a secure and supportive environment where women and girls could assert their rights without fear of violence. Throughout the year, SMAid International carried out activities in the Bono region of Ghana, focusing on empowering women and challenging harmful social norms that contribute to gender-based violence.

Promoting Education and Awareness through Quiz Competitions

As part of this Project, SMAid International established boys' and girls' clubs in eight communities and organized a quiz competition among club members. The quiz focused on assessing their understanding of sexual and human rights issues. By encouraging participation and knowledge sharing, SMAid aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence and its impact on society. The winners got rewarded with valuable prizes, including books worth up to Gh1000.00, further incentivizing education and learning among the youth.

Empowering Women's Groups with Entrepreneurial Skills

One of the root causes of gender-based violence is a lack of socio-economic empowerment. SMAid International recognized this issue and took proactive steps to address it. Through the EU Enough Project, over 300 women were provided with training in basic entrepreneurial skills, such as soap making. By equipping women with practical skills, SMAid sought to enhance their financial independence and resilience, reducing their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.

Community Monitoring for Accountability

To ensure the effectiveness of this initiative and validate the impact of the project, SMAid International collaborated with Oxfam and WiLDAF Ghana's monitoring and evaluation officers. They embarked on joint monitoring visits to the communities where they implemented various projects. During these visits, the team engaged with community members to gather valuable insights on the issues of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and assess the project's progress. This process facilitated transparency, accountability, and active community involvement in addressing SGBV challenges.

Celebrating International Day for the Girl Child

SMAid International commemorated the International Day for the Girl Child in solidarity with the community. Collaborating with the Sunyani West and Sunyani Municipal educational directorates, the organization organized celebratory events at Nsoatre and Chiraa. Students from local schools showcased their talents through drama, choreography, poetry recitals, and other performances, highlighting the importance of empowering girls and providing them with equal opportunities.

Capacity Building for Effective Club Management

SMAid International recognized the crucial role club facilitators play in ensuring the success of their school clubs. To enhance the management of these clubs and strengthen their impact, the organization conducted capacity-building workshops for the facilitators. During these workshops, program action-points for the year were developed, and connections established with various government stakeholders. This holistic approach aimed to create a network of support for the clubs and foster their growth as vital agents within their communities.

SGBV Survivor Training and Support

SMAid International identified survivors and offered financial help as part of the project's SGBV prevention activities. Many survivors received hands-on entrepreneurial training. Also, they were coached and counselled periodically to help them access government SGBV services. This comprehensive strategy empowered survivors to heal and become financially independent.

School Club SGBV Education

The project team educated school club members on SGBV and referral channels with the help of government stakeholders. The project team taught club members about SGBV types and causes in collaboration with club facilitators. They also learned about SGBV victim assistance organizations.

Boys' Club Formation and Training

SMAid International partnered with the local educational administration and club facilitators to create boys' clubs. The goal was to teach boys to challenge harmful gender conventions, comprehend gender roles, promote gender equality, and stop SGBV. SMAid International wants to make the next generation more inclusive and empathic.

Strengthening Community Men's and Women's Groups

SMAid International strengthened project communities' men's and women's organizations to combat SGBV. They were taught about SGBV problems and encouraged to report incidents without sheltering abusers. SMAid International promoted SGBV prevention by connecting community members with government organizations, including DOVVSU (Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit), Social Welfare, and the Department of Gender.

Engaging Women's Sub-Committee in Human Rights Bye Laws

SMAid International worked with Sunyani West and Municipal women's sub-committees to promote gender rights and SGBV prevention. These subcommittees promoted local gender-related bylaws. These bylaws sought to promote gender equality and protect women's and girls' rights. SMAid International institutionalized preventive measures and fostered sustainable community transformation via these collaborations.

In conclusion, the Enough Project partnership with Oxfam in Ghana and WiLDAF Ghana yielded impact in the fight against gender-based violence. Through various educational, economic, and community-oriented activities, SMAid empowered women and girls and challenged harmful social norms. As they continued their efforts in the Bono region of Ghana, SMAid International remained steadfast in their commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive society, free from violence and discrimination.