The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has partnered with the German Development Agency (GIZ) to launch the “Make Fashion Inclusive” programme, an initiative aimed at empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by providing them with skills training and economic opportunities in the fashion industry.
The new initiative is offering 50 beneficiaries training, guaranteed markets for their products, and shops to facilitate sales.
In addition to helping PWDs, the “Make Fashion Inclusive” programme will also support existing fashion entrepreneurs and startups with skills development, business training, and financial literacy.
The goal is to promote inclusivity while driving growth in Ghana’s fashion industry.
At the signing ceremony, YEA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Kofi Baah Agyepong, highlighted the agency’s continued support for PWDs, including the establishment of Disability Desks in all 266 YEA offices nationwide and the recruitment of 282 PWDs as District Disability Officers.
“This is a new dawn and a further growth in the cap of the Agency’s mission to create decent jobs,” said Mr. Agyepong, emphasizing YEA’s commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities.
Growing the fashion industry
The initiative is set to transform the lives of PWDs by breaking down barriers and creating job opportunities in the fashion and textile sectors.
Through the distribution of modern electric sewing machines and the establishment of a Skills and Fashion Hub, beneficiaries will receive the resources they need to thrive in the industry.
The programme aims to not only uplift PWDs but also contribute to the overall development of Ghana’s fashion sector, fostering innovation and growth.
A partnership for sustainable development
Mr. Wilhelm Hugo, Head of Programme for GIZ’s Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition,” expressed his excitement about the collaboration.
He emphasized the importance of inclusive economic development, stating, “We want to work together for inclusive economic development. We stand by ability. We want to create jobs for all persons, for all citizens.”
The two-year project will begin with a pilot training program, with future plans to expand to other sectors.
The partnership is expected to create sustainable economic growth and empower marginalized communities, reinforcing GIZ’s commitment to promoting decent work for all.
This collaboration between YEA and GIZ sets the stage for innovative solutions to social and economic challenges in Ghana, with the “Make Fashion Inclusive” program marking a major step toward inclusivity and empowerment in the country’s fashion industry.
