VisionFund Ghana joined the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) with a special event at its Swedru Branch. Themed ‘March Forward, ’ the event underscored the organization’s commitment to breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and driving positive change for women in local communities.
Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The celebration commenced with a warm welcome address by the Head of People and Culture at VisionFund Ghana, Mrs. Nelly Kpodo. She reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women, emphasizing the critical role women play in driving economic growth and social transformation.
“At VisionFund Ghana, we believe that empowering women translates to empowering entire communities. Women are the backbone of our economy, and when they thrive, families, businesses, and communities prosper. Our mission is to provide the necessary resources and support to help women build sustainable livelihoods and secure brighter futures for their families,” she stated.
She further highlighted VisionFund Ghana’s ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s access to financial resources, training, and mentorship programs that equip them with entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy.
Health and Financial Literacy Sessions
As part of the day’s activities, a professional nurse, Mrs. Christiana Hagan, delivered an insightful health talk on stress management, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being for women. She provided practical tips on handling work-life balance, reducing stress-related health risks, and maintaining overall well-being.
This was followed by an inspirational session highlighting the significant contributions of women in building resilient communities. Several female entrepreneurs shared their personal experiences, detailing the challenges they faced and how financial support from VisionFund Ghana helped them scale their businesses.
Additionally, the Branch Manager of VisionFund Ghana Swedru, Mr. Ken Attobrah, led a product education session, providing detailed insights into the institution’s various loan products designed to support women’s economic advancement. These products include:
- Business Loan – Financial support for micro-businesses to enhance stock acquisition and business asset expansion.
- Education Loan – Assistance for parents and guardians to cover school fees, books, and other educational expenses.
- WASH Loan – A specialized financial product aimed at improving access to clean drinking water, constructing household toilets, and acquiring sanitary products.
- Agriculture Loan – Support for small-scale farmers to expand their businesses, covering crop farming, animal rearing, and beekeeping.
Customer Success Stories
A key highlight of the event was the testimonials from beneficiaries of VisionFund Ghana’s financial support. One customer shared how the Education Loan enabled her to finance her child’s education, allowing him to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Another customer expressed appreciation for the Business Loan, which helped her achieve financial stability and near completion of a three-bedroom apartment.
Another participant, a poultry farmer, recounted how an Agriculture Loan enabled her to expand her poultry business from a small backyard operation to a thriving business supplying eggs and poultry products to several local markets. She emphasized that without the support from VisionFund Ghana, her dream of scaling her business would not have been possible.
Interactive Engagements and Closing Remarks
The event also featured interactive activities and fun games, fostering a sense of community and engagement among attendees. Women engaged in networking sessions where they shared ideas, business strategies, and future aspirations, reinforcing the power of peer support and mentorship.
In his closing remarks, the Regional Manager of VisionFund Ghana, Mr. Evans Asamoah Dei, encouraged customers to continue leveraging the organization’s financial solutions to enhance their businesses and personal growth. He reiterated VisionFund Ghana’s long-term commitment to empowering women and supporting them in overcoming financial and societal barriers.
“The future is bright when women are empowered. We at VisionFund Ghana are committed to walking this journey with you, providing the financial and technical support needed to help you achieve success,” he concluded.
Looking Ahead
VisionFund Ghana remains dedicated to championing gender equality and economic empowerment by offering tailored financial solutions that address the unique needs of women. The organization continues to explore innovative ways to expand its impact, ensuring that more women across Ghana gain access to financial services that drive sustainable development.
As women ‘March Forward’ toward greater opportunities, VisionFund Ghana stands as a steadfast partner in their journey, providing the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transform their lives and communities.