Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Ad CHARIS Enterprise Partners with Mastercard Foundation for Shea Business Empowerment Program

Since its establishment in 2016, Ad CHARIS Enterprise has been a driving force for progress and innovation in Ghana's Northern and Upper West regions. With a steadfast commitment to enhancing local communities, the company has continuously championed sustainable agricultural practices, Shea butter production, and cosmetics manufacturing. In line with this vision, Ad CHARIS proudly announces its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to implement the Shea Business Empowerment Program (SBEP), aimed at uplifting women entrepreneurs in the Shea industry.

The SBEP is a comprehensive initiative designed to equip women with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in the Shea business. Through a series of strategic activities, Ad CHARIS, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, is working to transform the landscape of Shea production and empower women as key drivers of economic growth. Below are the main activities undertaken as part of the SBEP:

1. Profiling of Cooperative Membership: Green Prints and Patches, the implementing partner of the SBEP, conducts thorough profiling of cooperative members to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. This step ensures that the program's interventions are tailored to the specific requirements of each community.

2. Engagements with Cooperative Communities: Sensitization sessions are organized to raise awareness among cooperative communities about the objectives and benefits of the SBEP. These engagements foster trust, collaboration, and community participation, laying the foundation for sustainable development.

3. Training in Cooperative Development, Business, and Kernel Aggregation: Women participating in the program receive comprehensive training in cooperative development, business management, and Shea kernel aggregation. These capacity-building sessions empower women with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage their businesses and maximize their profits.

4. Development of Customized Learning Tools: To facilitate learning and knowledge retention, customized learning tools such as record books, quality posters, talking books, and radio jingles are developed and distributed to participants. These tools serve as valuable resources for women to reference and reinforce their learning.

5. Training on Access to Finance & Coaching: Women entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing financial services. The SBEP provides training sessions on accessing finance and offers coaching support to cooperatives on managing their financial products. By enhancing financial literacy and management skills, women are better equipped to access funding opportunities and invest in their businesses' growth.

6. Coordination of Cooperative Activities: Effective coordination of cooperative activities is essential for maximizing efficiency and productivity. The SBEP facilitates coordination among cooperative members, ensuring smooth operations and collective decision-making.

7. Health & Safety Training Practices: Prioritizing the health and safety of women workers, the program conducts training sessions on health and safety practices. This includes providing procurement of boots, gloves, and first aid kits to ensure a safe working environment for cooperative members.

8. Market Linkages: Establishing market linkages between cooperatives and buyers is crucial for expanding market access and increasing income opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The SBEP facilitates these linkages, connecting cooperatives with buyers and creating opportunities for business growth and expansion.

9. Registration of Cooperatives: To formalize their operations and access government support, cooperatives are assisted in the registration process with the Department of Cooperative Societies. This step enhances the legitimacy and credibility of cooperatives, enabling them to access various benefits and services.

Through the implementation of the Shea Business Empowerment Program, Ad CHARIS Enterprise and the Mastercard Foundation are making significant strides towards gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development in Ghana's Shea industry. By investing in women entrepreneurs and equipping them with the tools and resources needed to succeed, the SBEP is not only transforming lives but also driving positive change within local communities. As Ad CHARIS continues its journey of progress and innovation, initiatives like the SBEP reaffirm its commitment to creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all.