10 women and girls who are survivors of sexual and gender-based violence will learn dressmaking, beadwork, and jewellery making to rebuild their lives by enabling them to start small businesses. Within a year, at least 90% will earn an income, support their families, and regain their independence in Ho Municipality in Ghana.

Local solution
Dream Africa Volunteer Service (DAVS) is addressing the challenges faced by survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)  by providing  10 women and girls with vocational training to start an income-generating business and secure economic independence.

SGBV survivors in the Ho municipality of Ghana often face deep psychological trauma, social stigma, and economic exclusion. Many lack the skills and resources to earn a living or reintegrate into society with confidence. By equipping them with practical skills, the project offers a pathway to financial independence and social acceptance. The input of women and community consultations directly informed the specific needs and preferred skills training areas.

Within 6 months, participants aged (18-35) years will learn dressmaking, beadmaking, and jewellery design, tailored to local market demand. The training also includes business development support, marketing, and financial literacy, ensuring participants can sustain their business and grow over time. The training is delivered by experienced trainers from DAVS. After completing the training, participants will receive sewing machines and assorted items to collectively kickstart their venture. DAVS will provide ongoing mentorship until the venture gains traction and will partner with local businesses to secure tenders as well as market the participants’ products. The project integrates psychosocial support and legal aid referrals to address the emotional impact of SGBV. By equipping survivors with practical skills, the project not only restores livelihoods but also supports their reintegration into society as empowered individuals.

Dream Africa Volunteer Services has extensive experience working with vulnerable women and communities affected by gender-based violence. Our team understands local cultural contexts and has a track record of empowering women through vocational training and psychosocial support. This experience ensures that the project is responsive, effective, and sustainable.

Lives improved

In the short term, 10 participants will acquire new skills, start income-generating activities, and experience increased confidence and hope. Over the long term, they will achieve increased household income, supporting 40 family members with improved living standards.

One year from now, the project area should see more women actively engaged in small businesses, reduced stigma around survivors, and greater community support for gender equality.

Community impact
As women become business owners and mentors, community attitudes towards gender-based violence and women’s roles will shift positively.

We will measure two key long-term effects:

1. The percentage of survivors maintaining their income activities after 12 months.
2. The number of survivors taking on leadership roles, mentoring others, or engaging in community advocacy.

Community members will consider the project successful when trained women are visibly earning income, mentoring others, and actively participating in community events that promote gender equality.

This project directly contributes to SDG1 (No Poverty) through economic empowerment and SDG4 (Quality Education) by providing vocational skills that lead to sustainable livelihoods.

Budget

The budget for the following activities is GHS64,316 (or €5,338). The donation will be used for:

• Community outreach, participant selection, and awareness activities.
• Support livelihood skills training, including sewing machines, materials, and trainer fees.
• Cover psychosocial support sessions such as venue rental, therapy fees, and transportation.
• Legal aid clinics include the cost of venue rent, legal consultancy, and transportation.
• Organizational costs for monitoring, evaluation, administration, and project team transportation.
• 5% to iMPACT direct for facilitating direct donations to local solutions (which helps to cover costs of the website, promotion and proposal writing, costs of financial services, and support to NGOs).

Own contributions: DAVS will provide program officers to coordinate activities and monitor progress. Furthermore, participants will receive ongoing mentoring, coaching, and post-training support to facilitate their transition into income-generating activities. A strategic monitoring and evaluation plan will be developed to track progress, learn from implementation, and improve outcomes.

 Testimonial:

“Before this project, I had lost hope after surviving abuse. I was isolated, unemployed, and had no idea how to start again. Dream Africa trained me in fashion design, business management and financial literacy. Today, I run a small business, support my children, and even teach other young women in my community. The counselling helped me heal emotionally, and the legal aid gave me the confidence to speak up. This project didn’t just change my life; it gave it back to me.”

Akosua, survivor and beneficiary, Ho Municipality.